Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
Three Benefits Tablets Can Bring to the Small Business Sector
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
Emerging technology can be a burden on IT managers-as well as
employees. As new software updates and hardware innovations arise,
users feel overwhelmed after finally learning and committing to a
specific way of doing work. The latest piece of technology dubbed
the "tablet" has consumers all giddy as the iPad has set a standard
for interaction and user experience. As we saw with the iPhone, a consumer-oriented
product has snuck its way into the enterprise setting.
On the surface, a tablet seems like an additional device to the
standard business-professional lineup that may include your desktop
PC, laptop, and mobile phone. Where is the added value that will
benefit small businesses both in the short run and especially in
the long run? Aside from specific implementations, here are three
general benefits for small businesses due to arrive via the
"tablet" era:
Companies will cater hardware to specific small business
users. Technology companies like Dell and Cisco have
announced intentions (and production schedules) to penetrate the
business tablet market. Dell's plan includes offering different
sized devices, starting from five inch screens and moving up to ten
inch devices. Cisco's recently announced product, Cius (pronounced
SEE-us), runs Android and specifically targets the small business
videoconferencing aspect. Whether its screen size, processor speed,
HD support, or battery life, the small business tablet market will
break down into specific segments supported by employee requests
and needs.
Developers can create applications designed for small
business enterprise efficiency. As we've started to see in the Apple App Store,
applications are being developed that improve small business
efficiency. For example, Cisco's Webex product "enables tablet
users to participate in WebEx meetings on their device, with a full
screen view of the online conference and ability to participate
vocally via free VoIP." The iPad does not offer a front facing
camera, but future tablets will come prepared for the likes of
videoconferencing. A tablet allows you the opportunities to view as
well as create content on the go. For those employees that deal
with heavy media use beyond email (including conferencing, website
managing, or creative programming), a developer can ease the
transition from a clunky laptop to a device designed to function as
efficiently as possible.
Users (or employees) discover resourceful ways to use
tablet devices that cut small business budgets. With
hardware and software possibilities, never rule out the innovation
and experience of the user. Small business employees will have more
power to communicate concise ideas and choose the tools that will
increase their performance and production levels. Not only does
this cut costs on the most valuable resource (your employees'
time), but it empowers the user to share innovative techniques on
setting and reaching business goals. In the center of business is
communication - internally and externally - and any device that
permits users face-to-face or real-time interactions will increase
workplace and client conversation effectiveness.
The iPad may be the current standard for the consumer tablet
industry, but be ready for technology companies to "experiment"
with plenty of enterprise options that include never-before-used
technology (face recognition security) and growing small business
communities, curious and willing to test new communication
platforms.
Until Next Time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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