Are enterprise tablet deployments ready for prime time?

Though tablet computers have been among the most-discussed technology trends in enterprise IT in recent years, many businesses have been hesitant to get on board with the mobile devices. However, as the price of the technology continues to decline and the capabilities expand, now may be the time for businesses to embrace tablet computers.

According to CIO Insight's 2011 Emerging Technology Adoption Trends Study, 3 out of 10 organizations are currently testing or piloting tablet deployment plans, making tablets more prevalent than any other emerging technology today.

But those not yet convinced that the tablet is a good fit for the workplace may be underestimating the device's value. Tablet computers have the capacity to improve employee mobility, giving workers access to their data no matter where they go on a device that is lighter and more convenient to carry than a laptop computer.

Additionally, the expanding capabilities of tablets makes them too intriguing to ignore. The devices have evolved significantly, adding more powerful processors, multi-function capabilities, extra cameras and the like, all of which can make the tablet invaluable to the workplace.

Eventually, the tablet will likely become as common in the office as the laptop is today. As the technology continues to evolve, more businesses will recognize the valuable role it can play.