Strategic Tech Slideshow: iPad in Your Enterprise? How to Convince Your CEO

Bring ROI to the Tablet

It'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 Security

Your 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 Supreme

A 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 Control

iOS 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 3G

The 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, Apps

Apple'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 Workers

The 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 Tablets

The 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 iPhone

While 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 Doesnt Compare

Your 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.