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By Don Reisinger on 2010-09-23
Apple’s iPad is capturing the allure of consumers around the world. In fact, ABI Research said in July that it expects Apple to sell around 11 million iPad units by year's end. A recent poll of 2,100 American adults conducted by Zogby International on behalf of Sybase finds that one in four expect their employer to provide access to tablets in the enterprise. Most likely, you see considerable potential in Apple’s tablet as a way to make employees more productive while roaming. You may even see it as a way for your firm to save some cash, since the $500 price of an iPad is much less than a comparably equipped laptop. In fact, your CEO may well be the biggest obstacle to allowing your corporation to welcome the iPad. As you know all too well, CEOs are loath to spend right now as they worry about the short-term future of the economy. Trying to get them to adopt a new form factor that’s seen as a consumer-focused product could be a tall order. But, in today’s tech space, where staying ahead of the curve helps a company thrive, convincing your CEO to adopt the iPad should be near the top of your list for things to accomplish by year’s end. Read on to find some quick tips on building the business case for iPad in your enterprise.
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Bring ROI to the TabletIt's difficult to find hard data on the iPad's ROI due to the device being so new to the enterprise. But that shouldn't stop you from working with your team to develop ROI criteria before entering your CEO's office. Armed with that data, you can more effectively drive the point home that the iPad is a necessity in your operation.
Windows SecurityYour CEO might love Windows, but make it clear that Windows is rife with security problems. For now, iOS is a relatively safe platform. If your CEO is concerned about keeping data safe from malicious hackers, iPad, rather than a Windows laptop, is a fine bet.
Mobility Reigns SupremeA study from enterprise-mobility services firm iPass found that 91 percent of workers have or plan to use the iPad for work purposes. Be sure to use that statistic to help prove to your CEO that employees aren't just using the iPad for entertainment; they're also using the device to perform work-related tasks. And with the help of the iPad, they're quite likely to be productive while on-the-go.
Administrative ControliOS provides administrative control for savvy IT workers. Explaining this to your CEO can put his or her mind at ease. The device might not boast the oversight and control that Windows offers, but it’s robust enough to justify its use.
The Value of 3GThe option of iPad with AT&T’s 3G network means employees won't have to depend on Wi-Fi. It’s a selling point that a comparable notebook might not offer. Make that clear to your CEO. If productivity is what they want, 3G connectivity is what they need. iPad offers it.
Apps, Apps, AppsApple’s App Store might not be as enterprise-friendly as some would like, but it boasts several outstanding business applications. There are apps that help workers stay organized, perform tasks, and more. Does your CEO know that?
Think About the Young WorkersThe young workforce is growing at a rapid rate. And many of those folks would like nothing more the iPad. It is one of those devices that could help attract and retain top talent.
The Future Is In TabletsThe future of mobile tech is in tablets. The enterprise that capitalizes on this now will win out. As a CIO, you know that. It's not just your workers, it's your customers who will be using these devices in the future. Make this clear to your CEO.
It’s A Better Option Than the iPhoneWhile it won't fit into your pocket, iPad is a more business-capable device than iPhone for the average employee. It has a bigger screen, it’s simple to use, and it’s receiving a major software update later this year.
BlackBerry Doesn't CompareYour company has invested a lot in Research In Motion's BlackBerry. But, those smartphones – while perfect for E-mail and phone calls -- have a small screen, comparably poor software, and abysmal Web browsing. The iPad doesn’t suffer from any of those problems.
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