Eddie Tomasek
Applications on mobile devices seem to be affiliated with everything. There are apps for what seems like everything. For the most part thought they tend to me on the smaller scale and only used for personal use on smartphones. Until recently apps were only on iPhones and smartphones which limited the productivity the app could do because the phones did not have the operating power to have a more complicated app. The recently released iPad has broadened the possibilities. The iPad has much more computing power than smartphones and iPhone. Companies are taking advantage of the mobile computing power of the iPhone by developing apps that allow quicker decision making.
One of the leading companies in the new software development for these apps is MicroStrategy. MicroStrategy is looking to develop their own software to run on the iPad. The company has bought, “1,200 iPads and is cranking out applications that run on them in hopes of helping its staff work more efficiently.” This is a major investment for MicroStrategy because if the idea fails it could take a major hit. The program MicroStrategy is developing could be revolutionary in many ways.
One way the apps MicroStrategy is developing could make business decisions occur much quicker. Since the app was introduced within the company they have been able to successfully transfer 80 important sales documents. This can help sales people who are always on the run and can only meet clients for a short time. It allows for companies to show customers and potential customers what they have to offer on the go. Places where it can be really successful would be places of travel like an airport or hotel. Sales people will not be required to carry loads of paper. Since sales people would only be required to carry a small iPad the customer basis becomes much easier to access. The mobility of the app has the ability to expand to a lot of other companies.
Another aspect in which this app can help businesses is it can cut costs of paper and mobilizes presentations that used to only be accessible through flashdrives. The cut costs in paper could be exponential especially if the sales documents are extrememly long. It also would make it much simpler and easier to read for customers.
The increase in productivity is the biggest reason why the new app should be incorporated throughout a company. Sales people can be more productive because they are able to make decisions at all times of the day. MicroStrategy is not the only company looking into this transformation. Deloitte is another company researching the new idea. Their software allows sales people to reserve work and meeting as well as projectors and blackboards from mobile devices. This helps productivity because time is not wasted calling in and talking to some to reserve stuff. It allows for companies to move quicker and generate more revenue.
Google and IBM are also working together to do something very similar. Their apps are more for smartphones. The idea is good but the computing power is not equivalent to the iPad or other small computers.
One problem I see here is on the return on investment. It is expensive to equip every sales person with an iPad that contains the app. Would the app increase sales enough for the purchase to be made is the question. I personally think this is a good idea but the dividends will not pan out until a couple more years. Once the idea becomes more popular I think you will be seeing more and more of this in the future.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2010/tc2010111_326784.htm?chan=technology_ceo+guide+to+tech_special+report%3A+ceo+guide+to+mobile+business+apps
1 comment:
The points that were made on business advantages through new technology were very accurate and well-put. Years ago, simply having Email access on a smartphone was considered to having a competitive advantage. However, in the increasingly demanding business world, there is need for faster, more-productive applications.
I think there are definitely plenty of opportunities for the new iPad apps to provide large returns on MicroStrategy's investment. For example, according to www.businessinsider.com, a free App called "WebEx" is a two-way audio program, that allows individuals to have online business meetings while viewing presentations and reports on the iPad screen. Another App call "Files to Go" allows the user to access and save documents on the iPad, while multiple group members can also access and save the same files from their workplace or personal computer. And finally, a program called "Time Master" allows business men and women to keep track of time spent on projects, and allot certain amounts of time for each individual client or co-worker. While the Apps that MicroStrategy is chosing to use may not be maximizing the potential benefits for the company, these other applications certainly exemplify the upside to the iPad's use in modern businesses.
http://www.businessinsider.com/20-best-ipad-apps-for-business-2010-5#
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