iPad Business Applications

[.XL]

EDIT:

So I've changed the need to just my dads business, as that's the most plausible. I need a CRM and an inventory system. If there's a program that syncs over the web with the pcs at my dads store that would be the best.

Thanks again!

[keyboardlover]

Funny - I attended a webinar at work today regarding iPhone/iPad development. Management wants us to design an app for those platforms that hooks into our business (financial) software.

Our software was built on the Microsoft .NET platform though, so we'll have to use MonoTouch.

[.XL]

Do you do any freelance work? I know my dad would be REALLY interested in a CRM and inventory tracking system that he could use on his iPad that would connect to the pcs at work.

[keyboardlover]

A. No
B. I have never even developed an iPad/iPhone app yet. This is new for both me and my company. I did a Blackberry app though for my masters. It was a PITA

[.XL]

Oh, really?! Can you develop me a REAL OS!? Friggin 5.6 sucks, and 6.0 was nice while it was new and shiny, but now i'm just like 'meehhh'

I think with some tweaking Filemaker GO has what he needs, though. It works on iPhones too...with the AT&T and T-Mobile merge we're going to AT&T or Verizon whether we like it or not :/

[keyboardlover]

Haha, yea partly why I got off BB was I wasn't happy with the OS upgrades. So far I'm happy with Android...

[Hak Foo]

Aside:  WebOS > Android.  It feels polished, it multitasks really elegantly.

I've seen some vendors try to put together things like questionnaire apps for the iPad , or demo libraries which can be distributed to the sales force.

IMO, these are better served with a web application, which will work fine on iPad, Playbook, or Xoom.

[Grimey]

We have come across similar iPad discussions at work regarding potential uses for iPad and apps.  Nevermind the fact that I work for a plant database/tool portal in the public sector that is having budgets cut backs across the board.  

The main work we do is write genome processing scripts and web service tools (all running on Linux) in the support of the broader scientific community research. When one of the more excitable curators (who purchased a iPad with her own money) starts talking about the potential for IPad integration, the programmers all get a good chuckle.

I am sure there are business uses for these tablet devices, I just get annoyed when people want to shoe horn them into places they don't fit.

[iMav]

I still think it would've been more impressive to release the iPad first and then follow it up with the touch and iPhone.  "a pocket-sized iPad...AMAZING!"


As far as finding a business use for the iPad, that strikes a nerve with me.  I hate when companies try and justify technology instead of starting with a business need and then finding the appropriate technology to solve that need.

[bigpook]

I still think it would've been more impressive to release the iPad first and then follow it up with the touch and iPhone.  "a pocket-sized iPad...AMAZING!"


As far as finding a business use for the iPad, that strikes a nerve with me.  I hate when companies try and justify technology instead of starting with a business need and then finding the appropriate technology to solve that need.

Maybe I misunderstand what you wrote but sometimes technology finds uses that someone didn't intend. We have people come inhouse for product demo's.

Most of our applications, not all though, can be configured through a browser interface.

Prior to the iPad, everyone would watch the projector while someone manned the keyboard and mouse, blah. With the iPad, you can pass it around and allow the user to experience the interface first hand.
Also, the iPad would be awesome as you could make changes to configuration as you walked around.


Imagine you are setting up a call center with 250 users, normally you are in the data closet typing away. This is the normal way of doing things and there is nothing wrong with that. Get the bulk of  the programming out of the way and then break out the iPad and go walk the floor with the ACD manager and make all your MAC's while directly interfacing with the manager and the agent.
That is going to be pretty sweet. Prospective customers like shiny and new and throw in ease of use...

[.XL]

I haven't bought one, and I probably never will. I just don't see a clear use for it. My dad, on the other hand, loves new and shiny things. It's his first experience with an Apple device and he really enjoys using it, so I can't rightfully say I think it's a worthless item to him

I'm asking this question out of curiosity and because my dad could really use some help with his programs. His program was written in '95 and received a facelift in '05. It's really dated and he could use a switch to another program...if this program connects to a program on the iPad it's doubly as awesome because for 6 months of the year he's driving around for 5-6 hours a day meeting customers.

[.XL]

You sound conflicted.

I own a macbook pro, nothing else apple I'd probably never buy the iPad unless I had a specific NEED for it. My dad bought it for fun, and I want him to have a reason to use it for work.

[Hak Foo]

I bought a $140 Chinese tablet.  I was not wowed.  The killer app I envisioned (as a TV listings display device) didn't work great because the damn thing went flat on batteries all the time.

I'd be intrigued by an e-Ink tablet.

[keyboardlover]

Whoah whoah whoah. Complies with Canadian specifications? No way I'm buying one now!

[kriminal]

who buys a 140$ Chinese tablet and expects to be wowed?

[.XL]

who buys a 140$ Chinese tablet and expects to be wowed?

You'd be surprised. When I was living in Greece last year a friend of mine bought a Chinese touch screen cell phone for 200$ that was of better quality than the iPhone 4 from the limited time played around with it. Dual sim, tv antenna, very strong reception, metal build...it was pretty fantastic. It was fast, too.

You just have to be careful what you buy