Is the iPad a Good Business Tool?

Yes…under the right conditions, according to MicroStrategy COO Sanju Bansal. In a recent interview with ITBusiness Ede’ Carl Weinschenk, Bansal gave high marks for the iPad as a business tool for corporate users that can offer powerful applications. But he was careful to emphasize that the surrounding infrastructure must have the capability to handle their high demands.

While Apple released the iPad as a consumer device, Bansal and his company immediately recognized the benefits it would provide to their executives and managers for management and content review tasks. They also saw the value for sales reps using the iPad as the new “flip chart” for presentations. He also see value for any market where the user need to review or consume information and make a decision – whether a doctor making rounds checking drug interactions, a retail manager, or a warehouse manager.

Currently, MicroStrategy as well as other business software developers are beginning to develop applications for the iPad. The iPad is a consumption device – which means it enables the user to have all the real-time data they need instantaneously to introduce into conversation and do business.

MicroStrategy has incorporated the iPad into their sales culture full force. To date, they have over 400 iPads in their fleet. They use them to show presentations, white papers, videos, traditional collateral, reports and software demonstrations while out on sales calls.

All in all…the iPad gets the stamp of approval from MicroStrategy.

Looking for an alternative to the iPad? Check out these - you may have a choice!