A 16 July Electronista article reports that 23% of IT managers may already be using iPads. These are not grandmothers reading the latest dime novel on the couch. Another 18% are planning to purchase one this year. The article does not say why these IT managers are buying iPads for use in work, but I have friends who are IT managers and they tell me why they did it. As you can imagine, there are as many different reasons as there are people, but generally they love the very portable clipboard type of approach to using the device. They can be accessing their IT functions using the web browser (and some specific iOS applications) while walking to their next function. The long battery live and the usable portability (not just portability) really does untether them and allow them to be happier and more productive.
Then, PC World's Tony Bradley, posted this article (reprinted on the MacWorld site) about how the iPad is invading corporate America. Everything from banks to car companies have started using the iPads in various departments. They are seeing primarily usage in traditional computer business roles of web surfing (using browser-based applications in addition to typical surfing is my belief), e-mail access, reviewing spreadsheets or business documents, and maybe doing a little consumption of media (watching movies on flights).
And, while not quiet your typical business use (at least not for me), here is a video of an artist creating a portrait using the iPad. I'm sure he would argue that doing his job is considered business. Any way you look at it, this is the creation of content and not just content consumption, which is a far cry from the typical critics of the iPad.
So…what does this mean for you and your business? Quiet a lot actually. Take a look around you. Do you see staff that could be more productive if they were not tied to their desks? Are there jobs that they are currently walking around with printed reports on clipboards to do? In fact, just look for the clipboards. That might be a dead on clue right there. Similarly, do you have staff that have to run to a spot different from where they are to get information? As an example, take a look at an automobile salesperson. Have you purchased a car lately? Have you walked a lot looking for the right car and asked a question of the salesperson only to have them run back to their desk to check on something like inventory while leaving you in the sun to keep looking at stuff you don't want? Have you had to sit at their desk or in the little office with the F&I guy as they pound away on their keyboards entering information that you've given them several times already? Why wasn't that information captured and shared when you gave it the first time – while you were test driving the vehicle?
Are iPads a definite for your business? I don't know. That will depend on what you do and how you do it - just like any other tool question. However, take a look at the iPad from a fresh perspective. Don't think about what others say the iPad is good for and isn't. Take a look at your business needs. Can it help you or your staff to better do their jobs? Perhaps you should pick one up and float it around your company and see what happens. My experience has been that actually using the device makes a huge difference in how you see using it to solve problems. Just thinking about using in the the confines of your office without holding one just doesn't do it.
