The iPad and IT
February 26, 2010
On the day the iPad announcement was made, I wrote a post sharing my enthusiasm for the device. Since that time, I’ve watched the Twitter community go out with its trash and praise for the device and Apple in general, I’ve talked about it with my friends, and I’ve listened around our own office. The feeling is mixed on what this device will do to computing. Here at thefuturevalueofbusiness.com, we also conducted a poll. Here are our results:
As you can see, the results are a bit mixed, with the clear interpretation being that the iPad is just a giant iPhone (which was my vote by the way). I’ve found it really funny that people think of this as a BAD thing! I think extending the capabilities of the iPhone makes a lot of sense. Giving me the ability to compose documents, prepare (and deliver) presentations, manage email and read web pages on a full size screen are major parts of my day. As a matter of fact, I’m not alone in this. John C. Welch (be careful if you Google him – he’s…a…how do you say it…”colorful”) an IT Director and long time writer/advocate of Macs wrote that nearly 90% of his employees are just heavy web and mail users. He mused that this device would be great for road warriors and sales people alike. He, like I, believes that this will not likely be the only device used by his people, but rather another complimentary device. Now, John works for an advertising agency so his experience may not be like yours. I do, however, believe that this device may become the primary device for the following groups of people:
- Busy Execs (which ones aren’t busy??) - especially those that are primarily reviewing company metrics, business plans, emailing, and traveling
- Salespeople – these guys and gals spend the majority of their time updating their CRM system, emailing customers, and delivering presentations written by someone else
- Road Warriors – I’ve spent enough time in airports to know that getting through security with that bad is a huge back killer…this would be a great alternative, especially for those consulting types where the work PC/laptop needs to remain at the client site. No need to keep a second laptop with you during the week if you have an iPad
- Students / Teachers - University students and even high schoolers (and below??) will find this a great alternative to the laptop. Less likely to get broken and more powerful then pen and paper. Imagine if you are a grad student working during the day and going to school at night. The iPad can stay with you all day and fits neatly into your existing laptop bag (I have this BIG idea for the paperless classroom too…if only!)
- Plant Managers / Ops Managers – Now that most ERP systems are on the web, I can see all of my daily production data on my iPad. This would allow me to spend more time on the floor and still be able to answer any production/operational issues on the spot.
Notice, I did not mention IT, Accounting, Finance or Engineering. These are traditionally very heavy users of a PC. They are creating large spreadsheets, writing complex equations or programming all of those great apps that we use today. They may WANT an iPad, but it’s not likely going to become a primary device for them.
So I fall somewhere into categories 1-3 above. I’m still excited for the iPad release and plan to stand in line the day the 3G model comes out. I’ll take pictures and let you know if it lives up to the hype.
- Jodie
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New blog post: The iPad and IT http://thefuturevalueofbusiness.com/the-ipad-and-it.htm
How many more days until the iPad release? http://thefuturevalueofbusiness.com/the-ipad-and-it.htm #iPad
RT @LUCRUMinc: How many more days until the iPad release? http://thefuturevalueofbusiness.com/the-ipad-and-it.htm #iPad
RT @LUCRUMinc: New blog post: The iPad and IT http://thefuturevalueofbusiness.com/the-ipad-and-it.htm