Apple's iPad has been an absolute success in the tablet space, easily besting all competitors, including the Dell Streak, the JooJoo Tablet, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Along the way, it has also caught the attention of enterprise decision-makers that can't help but wonder if the device is their best option should they choose to bring tablets to their operation. Admittedly, making such a decision is difficult. Apple has marketed the iPad as a consumer-focused product, and it would only make sense that some enterprise customers balk at opting for a platform that seems so focused on making entertainment-seekers happy. But the reality is, Apple's iPad is a fine enterprise tablet option. It boasts many of the features that enterprise customers are after, and it does so at a price that most enterprise users would be quite happy with. Simply put, it's hard to find a better tablet on store shelves right now for the average company. Here's why the iPad is a top choice for enterprise customers across just about every industry.
Why iPad Is the Best Enterprise Tablet Option
Display Size
One of the key draws to the iPad is that it offers a big, 9.7-inch display. That's important. In order for employees to perform their daily tasks, they need to have an adequate screen size to do so. A 7-inch display, like that on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, won't cut it. But a nearly 10-inch display will. And luckily for enterprise customers, that's just what Apple offers.
Apps
Although some IT managers might be concerned with the potential security implications of applications available in Apple's App Store, there are a slew of programs that would ideally suit the average enterprise user. Several companies, including Salesforce, and many others, offers apps for the iPad that let users access enterprise programs from the tablet. The App Store can be a scary place, but it can also be quite useful.
Pricing
Depending on the needs of a respective employee, the iPad can be purchased for as little as $499. Granted, the model at that price comes with the least storage and it lacks 3G connectivity, but even the cheapest 3G option goes for $629. That's a fine price for a tablet, and likely cheaper than most notebooks a company would opt for instead.
Android Isn't Cutting It
One of the biggest issues with tablet software today is that it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some platforms, like iOS, seem ideally suited for enterprise customers, while other platforms are not. Android is one of those operating systems that don't work for enterprise users. It's too consumer-focused and it lacks many of the important enterprise features that companies are after. Plus, there are potential future security concerns with Android that must be taken into account.
iOS Is More Enterprise-Friendly
Apple's iOS platform is one of the more enterprise-friendly mobile operating systems. It allows for IT staff to set use permissions, and it comes with Mobile Device Management, an option that lets IT staff monitor employees. Even better, it offers an intuitive design that most employees should feel right at home with. It might not be Windows, but it's just fine for enterprise tablet users.
Companies Can Build Apps
A key aspect of Apple's iOS platform is that it allows companies that need proprietary software to build applications for the iPad. So, if a company wants a program designed specifically for its employees that won't be shared elsewhere, it can deliver that without any trouble. It's a nice option that makes the iPad a bit more appealing.
It's What Employees Want
If nothing else, the iPad is what employees really want to use in their daily lives. Apple's iPad has caught on in a big way with consumers. And the average person would gladly ditch a notebook in favor of Apple's tablet. In a time where employees are more willing to leave companies on a whim, making them happy with a new iPad could be a good morale booster.
It Features Support For Standard Enterprise Solutions
The enterprise expects support for certain solutions. For one, it needs to see Exchange support. It also wants to know that the platform will allow it to access a secure network through a VPN. The iPad supports both of those features. It also comes with use-permissions features, and several other solutions that will allow companies to modify how employees engage with the tablet.
The BlackBerry PlayBook Is An Unknown
Most companies are probably wondering if they should wait to get a tablet until the Research In Motion BlackBerry PlayBook launches in March of April. It's a reasonable consideration. But those companies should keep in mind that the device is running an operating system that employees haven't used yet. And there's no telling if its 7-inch display will be enough to accommodate the needs of workers. Simply put, there are some issues with the BlackBerry PlayBook that need to be taken into account.
The Cisco Cius Is An Unknown
The Cisco Cius promises to be another enterprise-focused option for customers. And by the looks of things, it might be a worthwhile investment, considering it integrates with existing Cisco products. However, the device is also running Android 2.2 Froyo, a platform that Google itself said isn't prepared for tablets. That's a problem. And it should be enough to scare some companies away until they can see how the Cius works in practice.