8/17/2010
Apple's iPad - why it's iBad for business IT
The iPad is an amazing innovation and I applaud the creative thinking that has gone into it. The only unchanging element of IT over the past 25 or so years has been the keyboard and mouse but now these tablet technologies are spawning a complete rethink.
However, it is also an immense headache and a complication for business IT. The product is not mature enough to be a viable alternative to traditional workstations.
The iPad will once again turn IT into the naysayers who are seen as not adopting the new technology or at the very least as the people putting rules in place to limit iPad exposure in our work environments.
Market-threatening tactics
First, Apple's model of deploying applications and its overprotective, market-threatening tactics to restrict certain software, such as Adobe Flash, on their devices restrict integration and are a drain on support.
Even if I wanted to accede to those who want to use the iPad as a work device, doing so carries far too many implications. I am as frustrated as anyone at the inability of business environments to exploit new and creative technologies.
And of course there will be a time and place, not to mention a few monster apps for the iPad that will greatly benefit businesses in the months and years to come.
Also, those who consider me part of the old school that doesn't want to see new technology and innovation implemented need to recognise that the problem is Apple and other vendors, not your local IT department.
Consumer-targeted technology
When companies release technology aimed at consumers and not at businesses, they are the ones who are creating the issues related to proper workplace integration, not us.
The fixation with consumables and gadgets appealing to a consumer sub-culture of these manufacturers means they do not care...
COMMENT...about integrating these devices into business environments. All they care about is selling volume to pimply-faced teenagers looking for the next big thing. It is not in their business model and so it can't be in ours.
They restrict technology, application deployment and set rigid standards meant to limit competition of competing software and applications. This practice results in IT professionals being forced to be the gate-keeper and saying, "Not in our environment, not now".
Applications support
If you think I like these circumstances you are wrong. I would like nothing more than to be able to say, "Apple has created a great product and thought about how it can be applied in our business and how it can support our environment and applications."
The obsession now with consumer-driven technology and the focus of these companies on delivering to the consumers more than business, are driving a wedge into our ability to innovate applications and services. It's not getting better but rather worse.
As suppliers flock to what they believe is quick cash and yearly product cycles, it is impossible for businesses to drive a development and application plan to utilise these devices except in a business-to-consumer world but not internally or, in most cases, between businesses.
I feel marginalised by these innovators. They care little about developing products that will help business applications. They don't care and yet users feel it is me and my department who are the problem.
Until Apple and the other vendors driving new technologies acknowledge business requirements, there is little we can do except say no.
Have you faced similar problems to the Naked CIO in your IT department? Post a comment below.
source: Naked CIO: Apple's iPad - why it's iBad for business IT
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