The iPad is an immensely popular device. It has sold and continually sells more than a lot of people thought it would. And there's no question that it's just, well, cool.
But, as we all know, cool doesn't always cut it when it comes to technology used for business. So we thought now, on the heels of the recent
iOS 4.2 update for the iPad, would be a good time to address the question: is the iPad a device that is tangibly useful in a business setting?
Consuming vs. Creating
Perhaps we should start by asking another question: what is the iPad
for, exactly? We think the answer to that question is that, by and large, it is for consuming. The iPad is an excellent device for consuming videos, e-books, web content, email, etc.
And while it does allow a certain degree of creating capability, it really doesn't offer you the same options as a traditional desktop or laptop computer. Yes, there are apps for creating documents and doing other work you would normally do on a computer, and those apps may become more sophisticated over time. But that doesn't change the fact that, primarily, the iPad is a consuming device.
If your work centers around creating documents and other content, then, the iPad may not be right for your business. On the other hand, if having a device to view important business data on the fly would help your workflow, the iPad may be great for your business. For instance, we've found that it works great for providing easy remote access to a terminal server, putting important information at your fingertips. And, of course, there may be apps out there specifically designed to meet your business needs.
Technology Integration
If you feel like the iPad will enhance your work, though, it's important to determine if and how well an iPad will integrate with technology systems already in place. Questions you should ask yourself before bringing an iPad into your business environment should include the following: Will it edit the types of files critical to your company's business? Will it sync correctly with your company's email services? Does it support your current network printers? (The newly released
AirPrint feature currently only supports a few printers from HP.)
If the answer to these questions is "no," then it may not be worthwhile to bring iPads in just yet.
Of course, we'd be happy to help you think through integrating iPads into your business. Feel free to give us a call.