Tablets can boost productivity, government IT professionals say

As alternatives to traditional PCs, tablet computers can help U.S. government employees increase their productivity, says a new report from government technology information resource MeriTalk.

A poll of 152 federal IT professionals reveals that about 50 percent say that a diverse range of devices - including laptops, tablets and smartphones - is key to helping professionals get more work done.

Also, the report predicts tablet use among government employees will nearly triple by 2013, growing to 19 percent of all workers. This year, government tablet use is expected to reach 7 percent of all employees, the report says.

"Between the tablet revolution and telework mandates, the federal government is quickly becoming mobile," says Craig Abod, president of Carahsoft, which co-sponsored the report.

Other results show that should the use of PC alternatives allow employees to be just 10 percent more productive, that would translate into the U.S. government adding $2.6 billion in productivity.

CNN reports that the U.S. Army is among the government organizations increasing its reliance on mobility. Next month, the military branch plans to ship about 75 tablets to troops stationed overseas.