We might not have “Back to the Future” hover boards, but that doesn’t mean futuristic technology isn’t upon us. Today’s greatest technological advancements are developed for the small, ultra-powerful devices that put the world at our fingertips. They started out as cellphones and evolved into smartphones. The advent of tablet computing is upon us. Futuristic features and sparkling screens peak consumer interest, but these powerful devices have made their way into the business world. Business owners and professionals are taking their acts on the road. Tablets can facilitate transactions, enable communication from anywhere and provide real-time information for precision decision-making.
As computer engineers tinker and toy with these ever-evolving technologies, professionals benefit from some of the greatest innovations since the advent of computing.
Cash Only No More
Consumers are on the go more than ever, and smartphones enable businesses to move with them. Previously tethered to complicated credit card processing equipment, businesses can now accepts plastic anywhere through smartphone credit card processors like Square. By attaching a small device (Square will send you one for free and Starbucks sells them for $10) to a smartphone and connecting to the Square Register app, users turn their smartphones into full-fledged credit card processors. Conventional credit card processing companies are in on the act, as well. Capital Processing Network offers a similar device, the Verifone Payware Mobile system.
Chances are you’ll swipe your card through a mobile processor this year. In a few years, they might be the only processors around.
On-the-Go Accounting
If sales are going to take place on the go, professionals should have accounting capabilities outside the office. Quickbooks, a popular desktop accounting provider, jumped at the chance to mobilize its service. With Quickbooks Mobile, business professionals can track accounts, create invoices and view customer information from their tablets. The mobile app connects to the desktop software, so updates made on the road will automatically show up at the office. With Quickbooks Mobile, professionals can take advantage of every opportunity to serve their customers while maintaining
The Modern Newspaper
Businesses dealing with the latest information have an edge on the competition. With a tablet, you can stay current (on a reasonably sized screen) wherever your business takes you. Instapaper is a customizable news app that collects information pertinent to your business. Create an account to access Instapaper posts from a computer, tablet or smartphone. Late for a meeting while reading a report at your desk? Open the Instapaper app on your tablet and pick up where you left off. Information moves quickly in the digital age. Instapaper keeps the onslaught of blogs, articles and case studies neatly organized across multiple platforms.
Never Lost
With so much utility, professionals can’t afford to lose these expensive devices. Luckily, a smartphone’s GPS capabilities enable users to track these devices when they’re lost or stolen. Apple has the Find my iPad app, which locks information behind a password when owners report the phone on another iOS device.
Tablets have graduated from reputation as unsubstantial status symbols. These notebook-sized objects have given professionals full office capabilities on a 10-inch screen.
