A significant part of Apple's marketing campaign for the iPad tablet computer has been promoting it as a device for business. Unsurprisingly initial media reaction has been negative and much of this is down to the device throwing up few surprises, sticking pretty close to the rumours that circulated in the weeks leading up to its launch.

But like it or loath it the Apple iPad is the most exciting and promising tablet of 2010 and could actually become a useful business tool.

The last decade has seen the rise of mass consumerization in the IT industry and even influential players in the tech analysis business, such as the Gartner Group, agree that this trend is likely to continue. Therefore, despite the negative press, like all Apple's devices that have come before it the iPad will be swiftly adopted in the consumer marketplace to be quickly followed be acceptance into the business world.

But could the iPad possibly be ready for a baptism of fire and be cast directly into the corporate environment? Could it even become more popular there than in the consumer marketplace?

Suitable for business operations

Apple has long had a business sales team ready to sell Macs to any companies that show an interest, and with the release of iPhone 2.0, the company made it very clear that it wanted the iPhone to fit the needs of corporate users.

The features added to the iPhone that made it suitable for business operations will continue to work on the iPad because it's built on the same software foundation (iPhone OS) but, contrary to popular opinion, Apple's new device does have quite a few new features that will make it very useful to business users.

As told by Apple Insider, Apple has ported over iWork, its Office-compatible productivity suite, while giving it a multi-touch makeover. Aligned with the idea of using the iPad as a Keynote presentation tool, the iPad now supports VGA output for driving a projector directly. Users can therefore markup slides and point with a virtual laser pointer as the presentation continues -  useful for any mobile sales or marketing folk.

Apple are also reportedly holding back even more corporate-friendly features, like support for direct network printing from iPad apps as well as support for accessing shared files from a local file server.

Room for improvement

Also, for business travelers who need access to Web and e-mail, $30 for a no-contract unlimited data plan is a pretty good deal and is perhaps the iPad's most attractive feature (bare in mind that adding 3G internet capability via Verizon to a netbook will cost you $40 - $60 a month for 250MB or 5GB of data transfer).

There are, of course, draw backs such as the absence of USB ports, an SD slot, video out and other native connectivity options. Additional adaptors will have to be purchased. Then there is the limited battery life. But at this first generation stage compromises have had to be made to allow for the iPad's sleek size and weight.

However there are a few unnecessary user issues that Apple could have addressed, such as the touch pad keyboard only working in landscape - there is most certainly room for improvement.

"Lightweight, affordable data access"

But there are more practical advantages to the iPad for those who can afford it. Not everyone wants a smartphone, not everyone wants all their eggs in one basket. Having a telephone that is also bugging you every time you receive an email is not appealing to all business men, and a costly cellular data plan will not make a lot of sense for every mobile salesman.

The iPad's business appeal will be to those who require a "lightweight, affordable data access on demand, without an endless stream of nags and notifications emanating from their jacket pocket," as put by PC World.

This promising tablet computer will find its audience eventually and I believe it can truly become a valuable business tool.

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