iPad dominates enterprise market, but Windows 8 waiting in the wings

An April 2012 study from enterprise mobility solutions provider Good Technology finds that Apple's iPad® continues to dominate tablet computer activations in the workplace. But the device's reign may not last forever, as tablets based on Microsoft's Windows® 8 could one day seize the throne.

According to the study, the iPad accounted for an astounding 97.3 percent of new tablet activations among Good customers in the first quarter of 2012, making it the "clear choice" for end users in the bring-your-own-device era.

Although this lead is certainly formidable, it may not be insurmountable, as Good Technology believes devices based on Windows 8 are poised to make some noise in the enterprise space.

"With Windows 8, we expect more competition for Apple® and the iPad in the enterprise tablet space, especially for proactive, company-owned device deployments," says John Herrema, Good Technology’s senior vice president of corporate strategy.

Good Technology certainly isn't the first to predict Windows 8's launch later this year will shake up the enterprise tablet market. Several industry observers have noted that Microsoft's wide use in the workplace puts the software giant in a good position to steal some of Apple's tablet market share. Microsoft® and others certainly have their work cut out for them, though, with Apple so far out in front.