“Apple products for me were always about “fun” but now it’s crossing over into my business world.”

I’ve noticed over the last couple of years how technology has changed my leisure activities.  There was a time that I would get up on Saturday and Sunday morning, head out to buy some strong coffee and buy a number of newspapers.  My body clock wakes me up at 6:00 am, even on weekends, so if I want to sleep in a bit I have to read.  The fact of the matter is I rarely go back to sleep because the caffeine usually takes effect by the time I get through two or three newspapers.  Once I’m done with the newspapers I have a big decision to make.   Do I add it to the pile of old newspapers or actually take the pile to recycling bin?  I just realized over this past weekend I haven’t had to make that excruciatingly difficult decision in some time now.  I can’t remember the last time I bought a newspaper.

My reading habits have changed because of the iPad.  Most Apple users are zealots when it comes to their technology.  I wouldn’t categorize myself as such but my iPad usage has changed my information purchasing habits.  Realistic or not – I want my information for free.  Why?  It has nothing to do with price.  It’s about easy access and availability.  Why settle for two or three newspapers on the weekend when my fingertips can get me access to major newspapers around the world?  Some newspapers are trying to hold out, The New York Times and The New York Post, by charging an on-line subscription fee.  I just won’t do it because I can get my fix for free.  It’s not just newspapers.  I can’t remember the last time I went to a music store to buy a CD.  I’m sure if I gave it some more thought I would come up with other examples how an Apple product has changed other leisure activities for me.  But there’s a far more profound change taking place.  Apple products for me were always about “fun” but now it’s crossing over into my business world.

I can’t remember the last time I took a PC with me while traveling on business.  There’s not a great need too.  A recent report indicated that Apple will dominate the tablet market well into 2016.  How’s this for growth in the global tablet market?  It’s estimated that by 2016 some 375 million touchscreen tablets will be sold.  That’s up from 56 million sold in 2011.  It’s estimated that the Apple iPad will own approximately 53% of all touchscreen tablets sold in 2016.  A lot of this growth will come from emerging markets, India, China and Brazil, but Apple is making a strong push in the corporate world as well.  What once was the exclusive domain of Microsoft is now at risk.  It’s estimated that 122 million tablets will be purchased by the corporate world in 2016.  This is a direct result of improvements for enterprise software for tablets.  Once security issues and functionality is satisfied, the corporate world will embrace this technology to meet the needs of their customers and employees.  But I think what will have the most impact in the future is the age demographic of those individuals leading the corporate world, and specifically IT departments.  Slowly but surely Generation “X” is replacing baby-boomers in key decision making positions.

Here’s the definition of Generation “ X”: “Technologically Adept: The Generation “ X” mentality reflects a shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy. The first generation to grow up with computers, technology is woven into their lives. As the corporate world integrates new technological tools, Generation “X” has learned and adapted. This generation is comfortable using PDAs, cellphones, e-mail, laptops, BlackBerrys and other technology employed in the corporate world.”
Gen “ X” is not afraid to shift or to adapt to new technology, and execution will be left to those who come from Generation “Y”.
I think Gen “Y” is up for the challenge.  “Tech-Savvy: Generation “Y” grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, Generation “Y” is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations”.

A match made in touchscreen tablet haven.

If all else fails Gen “X” and Gen “Y” will use devious psychological ploys to convert you.  My dear Blackberry is on its last legs, and it’s almost time to lay her to rest.  I went to the head of our IT department, Salim Naram, for council and advice about my next purchase.  I’m not sure where Salim falls, I suspect late Gen “X” or early Gen “Y”.  Without hesitation Salim said, “You have to get an iPhone”.  I pleaded my case, my emotional attachment and loyalty to the product.  He listened attentively said, “No worries, we will order you another one.  And while we’re at it…why don’t we get you a Buick to drive around in?”  I measured my response carefully, “SHUT UP!”  Can’t wait to get my new iPhone.

Until next time,

Cheers.