On June 27, 2010, the world of computing changed.
For most of us, this was just another day at the office, but for Apple’s late CEO Steve Jobs, it was the day he announced “the next big thing.”
This was the day that the world got its first glimpse of the iPad.
Skeptics downplayed its importance, saying that it was just a big iPhone, while Apple “fanboys” proclaimed the end of the traditional computer.
While this was far from the first tablet computer, it was undeniably the first to convince the world that tablets were a viable option for mainstream computing.
Over the past five years, the concept has evolved with Microsoft, Google and others getting into the game. While none of these alternatives has arrived with quite the same fanfare, their importance and relevance cannot be ignored.
These days, if you don’t own a tablet computer, you definitely know someone who does.
This month, Apple made another major announcement: the iPad Pro. In November, this device will join the Microsoft Surface (and others) that are meant as productivity tools rather than products used for content consumption.
With this in mind, businesses are bound to consider using these types of tools in their daily operations. Careful planning must take place to ensure that they are tools rather than toys. Here are some things to consider:
- Who owns the device? For years, many organizations have faced the challenge of employees bringing their own smartphones, tablets and even laptops to work. This isn’t a bad thing, but if you do allow employees to use their own devices at work, steps must be taken to ensure the security of the data being stored and transmitted on these devices.
- What software will be used? Apple’s devices include software for word processing called Pages, but there are also a host of other options available, including Microsoft Word. Industry-specific apps are available as well, and many of them are “cross platform,” meaning that they are available for different devices. Even enterprise software like ERP and CRM have apps available so that work may be done no matter where you choose to do it. When choosing the type of tablet your business with use, make sure the software you need is supported.
- How will you manage data security? Along with all of the same issues that affect traditional computers, tablets are frequent targets for theft since they are, by nature, portable. Many devices have features that allow you to remotely lock, locate or even wipe a compromised device. They are also not immune to viruses and hack attempts, so ensure that the appropriate IT security measures are in place.
- Where will users store documents? How will they be accessed, backed up and shared? You’ll need to have a plan so all of your documents end up in the right place. For example, this article was originally written on an iPad, and then edited on a desktop PC. Having it accessible through a file-syncing application made it so I didn’t have to worry about emailing it to myself and having an older copy remaining on my iPad. There are several enterprise level file sharing and syncing systems available on the market – just make sure your business chooses one accessible by all of the devices in your organization, while providing the security and backup capability needed to keep your data safe.
- How will the tablets connect to the Internet? Most connect via WiFi, but some have an optional cellular data connection. No matter how you choose to connect, make sure that there will be a reliable connection in the places you expect to use the device.
Tablets can be an incredible tool for businesses today, especially for employees who are frequently on the go. But talk to a trusted IT consultant for advice on which tablet is right for your business.
Related: IT Untangled: Does Your Work Phone Need Antivirus?
As featured in September 27th issue of The Press-Enterprise.
