Where Is This Going?I have a friend who thinks that the push towards Apple desktops and laptops is just a fad. He really believes that in the long run, companies are not going to be able to incorporate Apple desktops into their businesses.
Will Macs Be Accepted in the Workplace?
I understand where he's coming from. He's in the banking business where people are traditional employees and the information belongs to the company. The company can't handle a dual environment between PC's and Mac's not because it's impossible but because it's one more thing.
Contrast From Apple
In contrast, Apple is citing that the PC era is over. They announced this at the launch of the iPad2 here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apples-Jobs-Says-iPad-2-Makes-paidcontent-407216748.html?x=0&.v=3
Basically they are saying that the era of keyboards and desktop towers are gone. Not needed. They are indicating that the "app stack" or applications like WORD, EXCEL, FILEMAKER PRO are not needed anymore. All of these types of applications are available on the web.
The Future is Uncertain
If you are like me, you're wondering where all this is going. And I'll tell you. I don't know.
Public Demand
It really has to do with how the general public accept these types of devices. Most companies will initially resist. Simply because, like my friend above, they are not sure if this is going to last. But if the pull is so strong that companies cannot ignore, they will incorporate items like iPads into their support systems.
You may have to learn something new, yet again. But it isn't that bad this time. You don't need that much dexterity. Everyone can point and click with their finger.
The Next 24 Months
We will see iPads invade the small workplace. They're fun, affordable and currently don't break. We don't have to deal with items like spyware, malware and TDSS rootkits. It might be an actual welcomed scenario.