Gartner legitimizing iPad for Corporate Use

Gartner has recommended that CEOs clear obstacles that prevent IT departments from taking advantage of the iPad according to TUAW.

Stephen Prentice, a VP and Gartner fellow, said in the report: “It is not usually the role of the CEO to get directly involved in specific technology device decisions, but Apple’s iPad is an exception. It is more than just the latest consumer gadget. CEOs and business leaders should initiate a dialog with their CIOs about if they have not already done so.”

IT Security departments have the most roadblocks in place that protect corporate data, but these roadblocks will quickly be dissolved by CEOs and CIOs in the coming months as the consumerization of IT has picked up even more steam with this Gartner report.

Security companies are behind the curve with respect to providing mobile security and management strategies for Enterprises, but Symantec recently unveiled support for iPhone, iPad and Android to existing platform support helping corporate customers protect and manage this next generation of mobile devices.

Fortune 100 companies have already started the adoption of iPads and even have budgeted development projects currently underway. This is quite a turnaround from the past where Apple has been typically shun by large corporations.

Gartner is urging companies to work out a plan for widespread iPad support by mid 2011. Pentice added: “While there are no certainties, the iPad looks set to become a market-disrupting device, like the iPod before it. Even if you think it is just a passing fad, the cost of early action is low, while the price of delay may well be extremely high.”

Is your company embracing the iPad yet?