Enterprise Apps for Apple's iPad On the Way
It looks like tech pros are picking up on the iPad as a use in the enterprise space.
Although some IT managers and analysts claim that Apple's iPad isn't fully "enterprise ready" at the moment, developers are already at work creating specific applications for the enterprise environment. Currently iPad users can find the standard productivity apps for spreadsheets, presentations, word-processing and more. However a handful developers are already providing free, third-party enterprise apps that link back to corporate databases offered by those same third parties.
Computerworld (via Macworld) provides an example of some of the applications, reporting that Blackbaud has created an iPad version of its customer relationship management (CRM) back-office software used by non-profit organizations. When approved, this app would give charities and other groups mobile access to precise data on donations and donors.
Another example provided was MobileIron's Sentry App for the iPad. Now available on the App Store, this free app enables workers and IT managers the ability to establish a mobile command center on the device for monitoring and reacting to smartphones--especially rogues--that are accessing enterprise email accounts.
But the real question is not if the software will be available, but will the iPad really be a big hit in the corporate environment at al? While there's some enthusiasm, many don't consider it as a must-have device--others are using the wait-and-see approach. "Other than the 'cool factor' I don’t really see many enterprises uses for the iPad yet," said one IT manager.
Larger corporations like Nike and Disney may incorporate the device early simply to promote a high-tech image. While the iPad enterprise-based app library will continue to build, the device may not see a full warm welcome until the economy improves. "We are not spending as much on things just because they’re fun or cool," a non-profit IT manager admitted.
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iPad is now and always will be useless for work.
Plus, that isn't a very economically friendly choice in the work environment.
"Larger corporations like Nike and Disney may incorporate the device early simply to promote a high-tech image"
What's high-tech about it? I was in the NYC Apple store on the day of the release, it wasn't anything special and it certainly wasn't magical and revolutionary, despite what the hippy-employee's shirts said.
it is basically a blown up version of the itouch; all they did is make it bigger
That's a lot of negativity and scepticism for someone who cared enough to be in the flagship store on release day.
They would be good for a high tech ordering menu at your favorite restaurant!
Apple does not have a device called an "itouch".
Apple does not have a device called an "itouch".
Consumer short-hand, itouch = iPod Touch.
"Consumer short-hand, itouch = iPod Touch."
Makes sense since before the iPod Touch, people were saying things like "iNano" "iClassic" "iMini"...consumer shorthand, right?
Oh wait...
I dunno. The iPad will be fine for anything that doesn't require creating. So you can run presentations from it, access databases and so forth. It's not UNuseful. There are just a lot of cheaper, better solutions for enterprise out there.
This may seem like an obvious feature, but can the iPad print directly from itself?
I conveyed that wrong, can you print directly from the iPad to a network attached printer?
This site should be called Tom's Ipad :S or Tom's crap-pad!!
STOP the iPad articles. Unless its real news, please stop, please, please.
Another over-hyped, overpriced, and un-revolutionary piece of hardware from Apple. You'd think this was the first tablet ever made.
By hey, it's Apple, so it has to be cool and edgy and revolutionary, right?
Let's keep giving this oversized iPod Touch more news stories.
The biggest roadblock to enterprise adoption of the ipad is its dependence on itunes. If you have to buy software, download software, sync software using itunes, a lot of businesses aren't going to be OK with that. Until Apple allows you to connect a USB to a computer or external drive, stick a disk in the drive and load the app, it won't fit well in big companies.
To all the people that say there is no place for the ipad in enterprise, you just aren't thinking hard enough about how to improve your enterprise. Of course I'm thinking somewhat in terms of tablet use and not just ipad use. It may be that Win-based tablets would be more appropriate, if they ever get the UI to the point where it works as well as the ipad. The fact that tablets haven't caught on that much so far is partly due to the insufficient UI and partly because of shortsighted IT people.
There are plenty of people who read the iPad articles. Please keep them coming and ignore the crybabies
Could we please move away from the ipad for a while?
careful, man, U might get about 30 thumbs down all of the sudden, see the other citrix article and comments!
iPad is now and always will be useless for work.Plus, that isn't a very economically friendly choice in the work environment."Larger corporations like Nike and Disney may incorporate the device early simply to promote a high-tech image"What's high-tech about it? I was in the NYC Apple store on the day of the release, it wasn't anything special and it certainly wasn't magical and revolutionary, despite what the hippy-employee's shirts said.
Your really gonna throw that out in the open like that huh? Useless for work? lol. OK!
it is basically a blown up version of the itouch; all they did is make it bigger
You hit the nail on the head. I wonder why Apple would take one of their most successful devices.. AND INCREASE THE SCREEN SIZE!!?? OMG! Why would they do that!!!??? This is mind-boggling why they would do this! /s
You hit the nail on the head. I wonder why Apple would take one of their most successful devices.. AND INCREASE THE SCREEN SIZE!!?? OMG! Why would they do that!!!??? This is mind-boggling why they would do this! /s
He's just calling a spade a spade, something Apple refused to do.
Wow, you guys are a bunch of jaded idiots. I'm no Apple fanboy but the idea of a half inch thick, 1.5 lb electronic touch screen that connects you to the planetary network, plays music and video for $499 is the stuff of science fiction.
You sound like a bunch of whiny little kids who think you're hard done by because your brother got sprinkles on his icecream and you didn't.
Astonishing.
"The Joker: [speaking to Two-Face] Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars, and a freaky mind buying iPad. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just, do things..."
Wow, you guys are a bunch of jaded idiots. I'm no Apple fanboy but the idea of a half inch thick, 1.5 lb electronic touch screen that connects you to the planetary network, plays music and video for $499 is the stuff of science fiction.You sound like a bunch of whiny little kids who think you're hard done by because your brother got sprinkles on his icecream and you didn't.Astonishing.
I'm with you. iTouch will rule!
If it would only print (where's the damn app fo that!) I would buy one.
Windoze whinny boys faced again...
Wow, you guys are a bunch of jaded idiots. I'm no Apple fanboy but the idea of a half inch thick, 1.5 lb electronic touch screen that connects you to the planetary network, plays music and video for $499 is the stuff of science fiction.You sound like a bunch of whiny little kids who think you're hard done by because your brother got sprinkles on his icecream and you didn't.Astonishing.
I'm with you. iPad (srry, not itouch, which I do every time I think of it...) will rule!
If it would only print (where's the damn app fo that!) I would buy one.
Windoze whinny boys faced again...
Seriously, if you don't want to read iPad articles then why do you keep clicking on the links? The iPad's serious news right now - even the big general news sites have been having regular iPad articles. Since this is a tech site, it's even more relevant here. Whether you like it or not, the iPad is newsworthy right now.
Honestly, the way some people post on here you would think that Steve Jobs came over to their house, pissed on their favourite pillow and ate their hamster.
So many articles devoted to a useless device. Every other article is about the iPad...enough already...it should be obvious that the majority of Tom's readers are PC fanatics and we do not care about Apple products.
Grow up. Its a piece of electronics. Some people will have use for it, and will want it. Some won't. Plain and simple.
Also, just to be helpful, I checked, rechecked, and re-rechecked the name and purpose of Tom's Guide. Unfortunately for you.. I didn't run across anything saying this is a PC fanatic site. If you want a site that black-balls Apple, why don't you just go ahead and make PCfanatic.com
And if your not willing to, shut up and get back in the silent mob where you belong
So many articles devoted to a useless device. Every other article is about the iPad...enough already...it should be obvious that the majority of Tom's readers are PC fanatics and we do not care about Apple products.
I'm a technology fanatic myself. Does it say Tom's PC Guide? Nope... stop whining or just leave.
Pull out your cash, there is at least one app to print with. My coworker has that app on his iphone and it prints to his wireless printer when he's at home. Our building has lots of wifi networks in it. I told him he should just ride the elevator up and down and randomly try to print things with it.
Another over-hyped, overpriced, and un-revolutionary piece of hardware from Apple. You'd think this was the first tablet ever made.By hey, it's Apple, so it has to be cool and edgy and revolutionary, right? Let's keep giving this oversized iPod Touch more news stories.
what you seem to miss is that this is not about hardware or being first. Its about doing it right for the non-techie.
The best description I have seen "the iPad gives me access to the internet from my couch".
One can sit on the couch in a position of their choice (and not be balancing a laptop).
No more hot laptop on ones lap.
No more having to sit at a corner desk for casual browsing and e-mail.
No more waiting for a boot up.
The iPad is a game changer for the average non-techie in particular. It is to the laptop as the iPhone was to the blackberry.
Consumer short-hand, itouch = iPod Touch.
The Itouch is a PmP made by Pasen. What's next, are you going to jump off a bridge because a few consumers do so?
There is a good opportunity for the iPad and similar devices in the enterprise. No, the average worker doesn't need an iPad. But, the average worker doesn't need a Blackberry.
Workers on their feet or on the road all day could use the device with the right app (field technicians, doctors, etc.). For the typical enterprise sales reps could use the device. I believe all things equal, a sales rep with an iPad would out-perform a a sales rep without one. A sales rep with an iPad has the potential to greatly improve the connection with the customer.
http://www.3redshells.com/ipad-in- [...] vironment/