Nearly three-fourths of SMBs plan to use tablets in 2012

A recent survey from the NPD Group showed 73 percent of small and medium-sized businesses are planning to buy tablets in 2012, and 89 percent of the largest businesses in the segment expect to spend an average of $38,749 on the mobile devices.

The survey showed the average investment in tablets from an SMB is expected to exceed $21,000 in the next 12 months, as more enterprises are recognizing the benefits of mobile devices for the ever-evolving workplace.


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

One way businesses will be able to reduce costs using tablets and other mobile devices is through video conferencing solutions. Employees will have access to company communications from any location, saving money on travel and enhancing collaboration.

Some companies will also adopt new software to enhance their video conferencing solutions, such as tools that allow users to access and share their notes, documents, websites and pictures throughout a video conferencing session. Everyone involved in the video conference can contribute to the data sharing, work on projects together and store the files at the completion of the meeting.