How Tablets are Replacing Office PCs

February 20, 2013, Tablet Strategy Conference, Burlingame, CA—A panel discussed the growing number of tablets in the workplace. David Needle from TabTimes moderated the panel, which included Tom Gonser from DocuSign, Sean Ginevan from Mobile Iron, and Jared Hansen from Breezy.

Use cases for tablets?
Gonser offered in-office fidelity in a split screen mode. The PC and the tablet share resources and functions and a consumer can sign on with the tablet.
Hansen noted that some law firms are giving new associates an iPad and keyboard, so all jobs are done on the tablet. Increasingly, the executive suite is starting to use tablets for all jobs, as the executive is mainly a data consumer.

Security and other issues?
Ginevan noted that companies are deploying more tablets and smart phones with WiFi. Although the available bandwidth is limited, security is possible. In this environment, user name and password are not sufficient, so the devices need to supply certificates indicating an authorized device. Device data are matched to records in the network. BYOD introduces corporate reliability and liability issues.

Mobile printing?
Hansen said that security is important, so all files have to go though a central routing point. The network has to check all metadata for user and device validation and the policies and procedures need to track and watermark all documents in the printing queue. Interestingly, you don’t need WiFi access for printing.
Gonser added that this is a marriage of mobile and cloud functions. Companies need the ability for 100 percent audit control for text to be printed.
Ginevan suggested that users think of a tablet with a different psychology and technology view. A tablet is mobile first, while the primary computer is for printing. This change in perspective will also change the idiom of the networking software and software migration.

Digital signatures?
Gonser opined that they are widely used and legally enforceable. Users need more education for the full flow and authentication and verification procedures.
Hansen brought up the mobile issue. How the enterprise enables any workflow in any device will call for an open API with authorization. This workflow will have increasing relevance as more users demand that they don’t have to switch apps with devices to do delegated tasks.

Additive versus replacement?
Ginevan responded that tablets are starting to displace PCs and notebooks. In a hotel chain, new people get tablets, so the network sees an increase in computer endpoints. Different functions tie into specific apps, and different workflows. The gaps between apps and device configuration issues still remain. Ideally, a new tablet will have configurations and security logic to go with secure apps.
Gonser commented that rolling out tablets changes the industry. In healthcare, doctors don’t use PCs, but doctors are stating to bring in iPads and moving to digital apps. Thse apps are not general purpose apps, but still must be easy to build, customize, and use. This is a new trend in healthcare and a move to all electronic records.

New apps?
Gonser remarked that a pen is good for writing and most people are not as good with their fingers. The positioning and pressure sensitivity for high resolution is not well suited for a touch interface.

Security?
Ginevan noticed that operating systems are getting more mature. This change reduces objections and much of the security can be implemented by a SaaS provider.

Companies accepting tablets?
Hansen said yes, they are. This device is a new productivity tool
Ginevan observed two trends. The new devices call for full review of old policies and procedures, and crowd sourcing is making decisions on changes in software more user driven. IT becomes more cyclical and is just continuing the move to more mobilization through the Web and other digital environments.
Gonser showed a consumer model where small and medium businesses are going mobile. Enterprises are not as agile, so the small and medium companies are the fastest adopters.

Other issues?
Ginevan offered that tablets are replacing ruggedized laptops in field service. Another area is in transportation. The cost of pro-sumer products, about $2100, is lower than the cost of the number of iPads that can break or be lost, and still be cash neutral, especially for shift workers.