In search of mobility, South Africans turn to tablets

Tablet computers have become something of a global phenomenon recently, with businesses and consumers in all corners of the world clamoring for the technology. According to a report from online news provider ITWeb, this trend is in full force in South Africa, where businesses have turned to tablets in search of mobility.

Graeme Victor, CEO of Du Pont Telecom, says that tablets have proven to be effective productivity tools for businesses in South Africa. More portable than laptops -- and often boasting a longer battery life -- tablets enable users to connect to their work from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

However, Victor warns that businesses must be mindful of data consumption when using tablets. Because mobile data is expensive in South Africa, many businesses may consider putting limitations on tablet use.

"[B]ecause mobile data costs in SA remain extremely high, the business' mobility costs can soar out of control -- unless it is effectively managed," Victor says.

Experts predict that tablet usage in South Africa will soon reflect that in other areas of the developed world. According to research firm Gartner, 80 percent of the South African workforce will use tablets in some capacity by 2013.