Given the ubiquity of network connectivity (and increasing speeds of access), it is logical for us to investigate the usage of mobile computing platforms and applications to enhance the way we do business. This should include smartphones such as the iPhone, and tablets such as the iPad. There have been a lot of recent upgrades to mobile platforms, and with resultant increases in security and manageability of devices and applications.
The iPad is something we will definitely investigate, as it has the potential to be a game-changer. The iPad is officially launched in NZ in July, but is already available locally through retailers such as Tosh and Parallel Imports.
Interestingly, the iPad already supports remote access to and control of a cloud, PC, Remote Desktop Services, a Terminal Server, VMware View or virtual machine via Wyse PocketCloud. Wyse PocketCloud accesses any physical or virtualized infrastructure that supports the Microsoft RDP protocol. In addition, Wyse PocketCloud is VMware View 4.0 Certified and supports the VMware View 4.0 connection broker in direct and tunneling modes. Included with is a Windows client-side companion application that once installed on your remote machine, enables more advanced capabilities such as an enhanced, server-side browser capability, enabling full access to Web sites with Flash content.
I am convinced that there are many ways our clients could take advantage of the special features of the iPad. Not so much as a laptop replacement for the workforce, but as a specialised tool for certain functions that I believe the iPad would be good at doing. As Citrix recently said, “… we believe the iPad represents an exciting new class of device that has the power to transform mobile computing for both personal and business users… enabling entirely new levels of productivity, and allowing people to work in ways they never thought possible before.”
I can see service agents using special apps to fill out forms as they deal with customers over the phone or in person. The touch interface can be leveraged to good effect doing this, as many support departments operate with “scripts” written to handle problems over the phone. The iPad is perfect for this type of repetitive data entry with the proper app running the show. The on-screen keyboard is adequate for the short data entries that don’t fit a scripted mode, while common entries can be programmed to mere button taps (with only a light development effort needed to bring common tasks like this to life as an app). Imagine service agents sitting down next to you or out in the community instead of standing behind a counter …
What about other staff or contractors who are “out and about” – building inspectors, library staff, doctors … anyone who fills in forms or carries a clipboard?
I also believe that IT support staff can use the iPad to troubleshoot employee computer problems. I am already using LogMeIn on my iPhone to fix computer problems remotely. Throw in the larger screen of the iPad and this method is an outstanding way to provide this type of support, on the go. Staff can access servers or VMs to solve issues whilst standing next to the person with the problem.
Human touch, anyone?
