Tablets in demand for SMBs

Going into the new year, tablet computers figure to be one of the most coveted technologies for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), according to a study from research firm NPD Group.

Nearly three-fourths of surveyed SMBs say they plan to purchase tablets for their employees within the next 12 months. This is up slightly from last quarter, when 68 percent of SMBs indicated as such.

Tablet adoption is expected to be even greater among larger companies. In a survey of firms with 501 to 999 employees, 89 percent say they will deploy tablets in 2012, up 8 percent from last quarter's poll. To do so, 90 percent of businesses plan to increase spending levels or keep them the same as in 2011. On average, NPD anticipates these firms to spend around $39,000 on tablets in 2012.

"Businesses of all sizes appear to be determined to capitalize on the tablet phenomenon," says Stephen Baker, NPD's vice president of industry analysis.

Beyond the enterprise, tablet computers are expected to have a strong year among consumers as well. According to research firm Gartner, the tablet market will ship more than 100 million units in 2012.