A new report published by International Data Corporation (IDC) earlier this week suggests that by 2015 tablets will outsell portable PCs like laptops and the newer ultrabooks.
According to IDC’s mobile industry forecast, the growing demand for more “smart devices,” along with the increased popularity of cloud computing, is directly influencing electronics purchases for both private consumers and business professionals.
In particular, mobile apps, cloud computing and storage have significantly reduced the user dependence on large hard drives, and thus the popularity of traditional portable PCs is waning. Furthermore, increased competition and innovation in the mobile market is garnering much of the public spotlight while laptops and ultrabooks are fading into the background for the most part.
“The battle between Samsung and Apple at the top of the smart connected device space is stronger than ever,” said Ryan Reith, program manager, Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers at IDC. “Both vendors compete at the top of the tablet and smartphone markets. However, the difference in their collective [average selling price] is a telling sign of different market approaches. The fact that Apple’s ASP is $310 higher than Samsung’s with just over 20 million fewer shipments in the quarter speaks volumes about the premium product line that Apple sells.”
And those premium products are finding their way into the business world more and more because of their high-level functionality, security and reliability. Mac integration and iOS management are becoming increasingly important to small and midsize businesses, especially considering that iOS is a critical mobile platform for these companies to engage their current and prospective customers.
IT consultants that are experienced with this integration and Mac IT support services are the best bet for SMBs looking to capitalize on the premium products currently on the market and those that are waiting on the horizon. Technology is evolving at too rapid a pace to not make this a priority now.
