19 Key Considerations for the iPad as an Enterprise Mobile Device

From Enterprise Today, some key thoughts on the iPad which are actually likely to make a real difference in the adoption of the technology as these are markets that are already using slate PCs: Great questions and a few answers!

1. Will the iPad support mass deployments? No automated deployment tools yet

2. What about provisioning software and mobile security certificates? 

3. How will the iPad interact with file/print and directory services systems within a network? 
4. Does the iPad support common online collaboration suites such as Exchange? Yes. 

5. Will there be client management and access restriction features available? Yes 

6. What about encryption, remote wipe, and other mobile security policies?

7. Will there be VPN or other remote access capabilities? 
Since the iPhone OS has supported PPTP and L2TP for nearly two years (and IPSec since last summer), it's hard to believe that these features won't be included in the iPad. For other remote access options, SSL encryption is available and used by default where possible in the iPhone's existing collaborative tools. 

8. Can the iPad function as a multi-user device?

Not really. The device, like the iPhone, isn't designed to support multiple user accounts or user profiles.

9. Will every iPad need to be tied to user's computer?

Technically no. Again, similar to the iPhone, IT could provision, install software, and configure iPads and then hand them out to users. However, for any practical purpose, each iPad should be synced to a user's computer. Without syncing there is no way to install OS updates, backup data, or sync data without the use of a collaboration suite like Exchange.

10. When used in a classroom, could student iPads be monitored by a teacher?

This is an interesting and important question for schools. 

11. Can the iPad serve as a thin client device?

It seems pretty much guaranteed that thin client solutions will ship for the iPad sometime this year.

12. Will iWork be compatible with other systems? 

Yes. 

13. Can custom in-house applications be developed for iPad users? 

Yes. Apple offers an enterprise version of its iPhone Developer Program. 

14. Will the iPad offer compliance with HIPPA or other government-mandated security and privacy standards?

15. What types of business functions is the iPad well suited for and which ones will it not be able to handle? 

16. What type of testing should be done when considering whether to support the iPad?
At least following the initial release of the iPad, extensive testing should be undertaken.

17. What IT policies and procedures might need to be adjusted to account for the iPad?

18. Are there serious business tools being created for the iPad and if so what are they? 
It seems without question that there will be some serious business and office tools available for the iPad. 

19. Will Apple be providing enterprise resources or services for the iPad?

Undoubtedly. Although Apple doesn't always appear to be focused on the enterprise, the company does provide enterprise guides to the iPhone and Mac OS X. Knowing that the iPad has broad potential in the business and education space as well as the consumer market, the company will almost certainly offer additional resources at the time of the iPad's launch, much as it did with the iPhone Enterprise Deployment Guide.

Related articles

• How to Turn Your iPad into a Business tool (taragana.com)
• How Will the iPad Affect Content and App Pricing? (jwikert.typepad.com)
• What's Next For the iPad? A Tabletop iPad, According to Xerox PARC Circa 1991 (cultofmac.com)
• iPadPig.com - A Source Of iPad News & Stories (killerstartups.com)
• Apple Pushes Several iPad Accessories To May (inquisitr.com)
• Five Essential iPad Accessories (wired.com)
• Prepare for an iPad App Explosion: Developer Activity Up 185% (readwriteweb.com)