As I often like to do, let me provide you a summary. Ted thinks the iPad is the next big thing in the consumerization of enterprise (mobility). He did however say ONE thing that makes me wonder just how big the adoption of this device will be in the enterprise:
"This thing will take off among high net worth mobile [professionals]."
OK, I won't argue with that, if only because I don't know many high net worth people. Ted goes on to say:
"After all, the iPad is really just a big iPhone."
So technically, it's a really big iPod Touch with WWAN capabilities...you can't make calls on the device (yet)...now mind you, if the thing has a microphone that we don't know about, it could really become interesting in the contect of mobile Unified Communications.
Ted does however raise one VERY interesting point. Microsoft should build a version of (mobile) Office for the iPhone/iPod Touc/iPad. I actually tend to agree. The iPhone is obviously very popular in the enterprise, and the iPad will most likely create its own niche ecosystem...so Microsoft should probably be in that game.
While I did say previously that the iPad is not ready for the enterprise, I can see a place where it would fit in with a version 2.0. Get the proper management tools in place, and provide robust corporate applications (such as Microsoft Office) and provide a great docking station (meaning that keyboard add-on)...and you could actually have a compelling offering...again, assuming the device can be managed.
But back to one of Ted's main points...high net worth people who are going to want to bring in the iPad on their own. Tough to tell yet, in my opinion. Certainly companies like Cisco give their employees stipends every couple of years to buy what they want...and you could arguably see someone get the iPad. But would YOU buy an iPad on your own dime for work? Hmm...I wouldn't....unless I could genuinely replace my laptop. It's not there yet, so personally I wouldn't. That said, there's an opportunity for so many PC vendors to provide a similar solution on Windows 7 (a full blown OS), where I actually WOULD consider doing so.
What do you think?
