The tools used in business have changed dramatically over the last 20 years. We've moved from typewriters, pens, telephones, and pads to desktop PCs to laptop and notebook computers to PDAs.
But one tools which looks to be snaking its way into the professional world is the Web tablet. And I'm surprised as anyone about it. I was quoted as saying this in a January, 2001 article published at PlanetIT:
"At the moment, tablets are aimed more at average users, people who don't have a need for a fully fledged PC, but who want a small, fast and easy-to-use way of accessing the Internet and using e-mail."
And companies like FrontPath are specifically targeting their wares to specialized sectors of business and industry.
I have to admit that I was wrong. While I still believe that Web tablets are strong consumer products, they're shaping up to be very useful in business and industry as well.
And not notebooks or PDAs? The first factor is functionality. Web tablets exist in the middle ground between notebooks and PDAs. They pack more punch than a Palm or Jornada (not to mention a bigger, clearer screen), but less than a notebook. You get the applications you need and nothing else.
That Web tablets only take a couple of seconds to start up is a bonus. You waste no time waiting while Windows boots up -- that takes a while even on the fastest notebooks. While PDAs also feature "instant on", they're often too small or lack the proper software to do serious work.
There there's the "clamshell barrier." Many of you have probably seen this in a meeting. That's where you're facing a person using a notebook or a PDA like a Psion, and you have to look at the person over his or her open computer. Many people find this frustrating and impersonal.
The final factor was mentioned to me in a recent chat on this site -- simple convenience. People in the field don't always have the luxury of having a flat surface on which to place a notebook. If you've ever tried typing on a notebook with one hand while holding it in the crook of your arm, you know this is at best uncomfortable. Being able to hold a small, light device with pen input functionality is a definite boon.
Web tablets have a wide number of applications in the following areas:
You can use a tablet to quickly get access to product descriptions and catalogs, get the latest quotes or prices, check inventory, find ERP information, and more.
In order for Web tablets to become viable business tools, they need the functions and characteristics:
Portable computer hardware tends to take a lot of abuse. I'm not saying that a Web tablet should be built like the old Panasonic ToughBooks, but it should be able to absorb the usual bumps, jostles, and bangs that come with everyday use. On top of that, the screen should at least be scratch resistant.
Nothing is more frustrating than a device that's difficult to use. While it's hard to design something that everyone finds easy to use, a Web tablet (or any other Internet appliance) should have a negligible learning curve.
How negligible? It should be fairly obvious what the physical buttons and ports on the device are for. In the user interface, menus and buttons should be clearly marked. Either with descriptive, international icons or just text.
Without software, a computing device is just a useless piece of plastic and metal. A Web tablet must be bundled with the software that their users need. In business, you can do away with multimedia components like RealPlayer and Flash, and replace them with productivity and communications tools applicable to the user's business. Packing some form of Java support would be a bonus.
Being tied to a telephone jack is no fun. When you're at a client site, there will be times when a jack won't be available. Wireless connections to the Internet and, by extension, to a company network are the way to go. In fact, this one feature could make or break the adoption of Web tablets in business.
Most current wireless Web tablets only offer wireless connectivity through a base station. So, you're limited by the range of the transmitter (between 30 and 100 feet). The FreePad, on the other hand, is completely wireless as is the HoneyWell WebPad.
Workers in the field will be constantly accessing sensitive or confidential company information. This ranges from scheduling information and e-mails to customer and product information to pricing databases. Generally, the type of information you don't want falling into the wrong hands.
There are a number of ways to secure a connection. You can use encrypted e-mail, standard protocols like SSL and TLS/WTLS, or proprietary Java applications. If your company is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), things are a bit safer. But finding VPN software that's small enough to fit on a Web tablet is difficult. A good option is the MovianVPN from Certicom. This tool is small, fast, and uses minimal system resources. Unfortunately, the only Web tablet operating system MovianVPN is currently compatible with is Windows CE.
Price will also be a factor, especially in these days of companies carefully watching their spending. Some firms will be buying hundreds or thousands of units. At current prices (sometimes $1,000 U.S. or more), Web tablets can be very cost prohibitive. Prices need to be kept reasonable -- well below the current levels. Or, Web tablet manufacturers should offer attractive volume discounts.
Web tablets have the potential to be very useful tools in business and industry. Not every enterprise will use them, but the ones that do probably won't regret it.