Losing the laptop – enterprise mobility in 2012

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 Shane Taylor, guest blogger, Esselar

What does the phrase ‘enterprise mobility’ mean to you? Whilst the specifics will differ hugely, for most of us I would guess it is broadly something along the lines of the products, processes and services that enable mobile computing in business.

I have been implementing iPass solutions to the enterprise since the late 90s and for much of that time the ‘products’ within enterprise mobility have invariably been laptops, supported by a mobile phone. Smartphones have certainly had a massive impact more recently but the real game changer in enterprise mobility has been the advent of media tablets, specifically the iPad.

Such is the impact and reach of the iPad within business that it is hard to believe that the tablet market did not even exist a few years ago. They are now commonplace in many organisations, whether it is the CEO wanting to use his personal one for work or a progressive IT department implementing a ‘choose your own device’ (CYOD) policy.

For a year or two I have been using both tablet and laptop but after one journey too many lugging them both across London, I have taken the plunge and got rid of my laptop for good! I can do everything I want (and more) on the iPad and it is as securely connected as the laptop was.

Spiralling roaming costs were also a factor in the decision. Using an always-on device burns 3G data bundles so quickly, so a solution like iPass that allows unlimited global WiFi access for a single flat monthly fee was an attractive proposition.

But who knows, I may find I miss the laptop more than I thought and realise they are still a key part of enterprise mobility in 2012. I’ll pop back in a month or so and let you know how I’ve got on.

Guest blogger, Shane Taylor of iPass gold partner, Esselar

Tags: enterprise mobility, tablet