Computer Support Blog

The marketing and statistics company Barclay’s has released its new CIO survey results, which explore how businesses are investing in technology.  Unsurprisingly, one of the emerging technologies that businesses are investing in more and more are tablet computers.  As the dominant manufacturer in the tablet computer market with its iPad, Apple Computers is witnessing a potential windfall from businesses buying iPads.  However, businesses investing heavily in iPads have the potential to be bad news for both Apple and businesses that invest in them.  Some of the looming issues for Apple include:

Compatibility problems.  The CIO survey revealed that major companies are viewing tablet computers as a transitional purchase.  Many businesses are looking to phase out laptop computers in favor of tablet computers.  During that transition, companies that have not been on Apple-based computer systems are facing a steep learning curve as well as problems that arise from Apple’s unique programming.  Companies that have databases on Microsoft or Linux OS-based systems face a tough choice between upgrading to the industry standard or going with a tablet computer that is instantly compatible with their existing IT infrastructure.  Apple’s competitors make the easy argument that their products are already loaded with a familiar and compatible OS and suite of programs, a claim Apple cannot make for many businesses.  As well, the current movement whereby businesses encourage users to Bring Your Own Device to use at work for business applications may lead to increased compatibility problems.  Not only may various tablets have difficulty interacting with an already-established network, workers may have compatibility issues between their various tablets.

Expense.  The Apple iPad is popular, but competitors like Samsung and ASUS offer comparable models for less money.  In fact, while Apple has focused its upgrades on trendy technology like the Retina Display and an improved digital camera, the Kindle Fire 2 and the new Nook Tablet are improving processor speeds and memory capacity.  Because businesses want to use tablets for work-related functions, protecting proprietary information through on-tablet storage and saving money are likely to win out over the “bells and whistles” the iPad offers.

Popularity backlash. Apple built its corporate image on having products that are cool and chic.  The counterculture demographic that helped make Apple’s iPad popular might take poorly to seeing it associated with suits and business.  While the Apple culture surrounding their i-products has been remarkably strong, the combination of effective advertising by competitors and the feeling that they are no longer part of an exclusive, special movement might be just enough to break up the devoted followers.

Financially, Apple Computers has a lot to gain by businesses purchasing the iPad for their workers to use.  But Apple’s competitors might be able to effectively use the rising interest in tablet computers for business purposes as a wedge that will allow them to diminish Apple’s dominance in the tablet computer market.

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Filed under: apple, business, business computers, david milman, iPad, networking, networks, news, performance, rescuecom, tablets