While the iPad was originally designed with consumers in mind, Apple has worked tirelessly since the first iteration was launched to flesh out its functionality in the business realm. This has been done through a combination of productivity applications built in-house and encouraging third party developers to design apps that make the device more advantageous for professional use.
According to statements made by Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer during the company’s recent quarterly earnings call, it is succeeding at making the iPad deployment an appealing prospect to businesses everywhere.
“Financial institutions like Barclays, numerous securities, and Bank of Beijing are deploying iPads to enable employees to better service customers and work securely with financial portfolios and product,” he said. “In particular, Barclays’ rollout of over 8,000 iPads has generated tremendous [employee] engagement and feedback, making it the most successful IT deployment in Barclays history.”
Oppenheimer added that state and local governments all across the United States are rolling out iPads in an effort to improve efficiency in court systems, law enforcement agencies and other departments. The iPad deployment has proven to bring with it the added benefit of substantially reducing paper consumption, as well.
With the iPad quickly becoming a staple of the working world, iOS management should be a top priority for IT departments everywhere. Everything from custom programming for application development to customizing existing websites for viewing on mobile screens and streamlining workflows should be analyzed.
Technologies can be used very differently across industries. However, companies in different sectors can still learn from one another. IT consultants with experience in multiple industries can help with that translation.
