SMBs Embracing Tablet PCs

Paul Mah says exaggerated hype around the iPad may be making some SMBs skeptical of tablet PCs for business, but recent research shows they are now starting to get on the bandwagon - and possibly with good reason.

"New research by AMI-Partners has concluded that the adoption of tablets in SMBs is increasing, with the analyst company estimating that the deployment rate will rise to 30 to 35 percent by 2015. Though current penetration of tablets in small- and mid-sized businesses stands at just 3 percent today, AMI noted that this was achieved in a mere year since the launch of the original iPad. And for all the criticisms levied on the business viability of the iPad, the tablet's generous screen size and sheer popularity have made it the predominant option at the moment for businesses.

Of the findings, Michael McDonald, senior associate at AMI-Partners, said: 'The tablet PC has almost limitless potential in the SMB space where the device can entrench itself as a valuable resource essential to the on-the-go businessman.'"