SELECTING TABLETS FOR ENTERPRISE USE TABLET COMPUTER SELECTION

INTRODUCTION The newest wave of portable computer technology has ushered in the age of the tablet computer. These devices combine the computing capabilities of a laptop with the portability of a cell phone.

ABSTRACT With many tablets available on the market, it can be difficult trying to choose which tablet to operate with. One of the most prominent debates in trying to integrate a tablet computer into the business is whether or not to work with a standard tablet for all of your employees.

STRENGTHS Dedicated programming towards one device. All tablet-related IT work will be focused around one tablet Attention is not divided between different devices No compatibility issues All employees will have the same devices with the same functionality

WEAKNESSES Forces only one kind of tablet for the entire company Becomes an issue if the employees are left to purchase their own tablet computers Limits the range of functionality that multiple kinds of tablets would have Does not have the full functionality of a full computer (keyboards, ports, disc drives)

OPPORTUNITIES Customizable contents Interaction with company computers More mobility of employees Business can be brought to the public and not limited to the office Presentations can be made without the hassle of bringing around bulky equipment

THREATS Security issues Lost or stolen tablets Hacked tablets through wi-fi Fragility Easier to break than full computers More difficult to retrieve information from a damaged tablet

RECOMMENDATIONS Selecting a universal OS rather than a specific tablet will allow for a variety of tablets. 49 tablets currently on the market that use Android OS (11 that use Android 2.2, 11 that use Android 2.3, 27 that use Honeycomb) 2 that use iOS (iPad, iPad 2) 1 that uses BlackBerry Tablet OS 1 that uses Grid OS Wider variety of prices employees can choose from Android: $130 - $800 iOS: $500-$830

RECOMMENDATIONS If deciding to work on a specific tablet, choose one that provides adequate security measures Must be compatible with various collaboration tools like instant messaging, voice communications, document collaboration, and support

REFERENCES Bakke, D. (2011, November 17). 7 Disadvantages Of Tablets. Retrieved November 29, 2011, from Investopedia Web site: edge/1111/7-Disadvantages-Of-Tablets.aspx#axzz1f4dwbnTH edge/1111/7-Disadvantages-Of-Tablets.aspx#axzz1f4dwbnTH Franklin, E. (2011, November 14). CNET looks at current upcoming tablets. Retrieved November 29, 2011, from CNET Networks Web site: /cnet-looks-at-current-and-upcoming-tablets/ /cnet-looks-at-current-and-upcoming-tablets/ Puorro, T. (2011, November 29). Choosing a Tablet for the Enterprise. Retrieved November 29, 2011, from Cisco Systems, Inc. Web site: a-tablet-for-the-enterprise/ a-tablet-for-the-enterprise/