How to pick a tablet for your business

Many IT departments have made up their minds that tablets can benefit their company's mobile workforce by providing robust computing power in a portable form factor. What technology professionals may not be so sure about is which device is right for their organization.

With so many choices in the market, making the right decision may seem difficult. But there are several determining factors that should be considered.

One is the operating system. Google Android™, Apple® iOS and the upcoming Microsoft® Windows® 8 are among the most popular platforms, and each offers something different. The open-source nature of Android may appeal to app developers, while Apple is generally seen as more secure. Many organizations already work with Microsoft and may not want to stray from that comfort level.

Another deciding factor should be the availability of applications. Without question, both Android and Apple are kings of the mobile app universe, as the marketplace for each features around 500,000 offerings.

Finally, and this could be the most important area for some companies, is the price. While Apple has focused on the high-end of the tablet market with the iPad®, Android-powered devices run the gamut of cost. However, companies should ensure they are not sacrificing functionality for price.