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August 5, 2010 By Russell Nichols
Photo: Birmingham, Ala., City Councilor Johnathan F. Austin
Birmingham leaders believe they will soon have the power to save money and improve communication right in their hands. After visiting an Apple Store this week, Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell and City Councilor Johnathan F. Austin decided to move forward with the plan to bring iPads to City Hall.
The tablet touchscreen computer could help the city cut down on paper usage and save hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Austin, chair of the Council Technology Committee.
"We're burning through 20,000 sheets of paper a week just to use on Tuesdays for two hours," he said. "The iPads give us the ability to communicate more efficiently and more effectively with each other and our constituents."
Since its launch in April, the iPad has popped up in discussions across the country regarding its public-sector potential. In February, the federal government warned that the iPad's release could lead to heavy data traffic that might strain inadequate networks. By April, the White House announced a mobile version of its website optimized for portable devices, including the iPad.
You may use or reference this story with attribution and a link to
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The potential use of the iPad is a great thing to see. I believe it and the next generation of devices that come out will cause tremendous positive disruption.
The potential use of the iPad is a great thing to see. I believe it and the next generation of devices that come out will cause tremendous positive disruption.
The potential use of the iPad is a great thing to see. I believe it and the next generation of devices that come out will cause tremendous positive disruption.
I would caution that there are hidden costs here which are not being considered. While I believe the iPad may eventually become a very useful business tool as the Council here believes it to be today, in the short term the iPad is not setup to be a business-ready device. This council should look into the added costs of administration of these devices. Since Apple has not setup the device to have true business "push" technology, for rolling out updates, etc... there will be an increased burden on city technology adminstration. I hope to see Apple address this in future upgrades of the iPad device, which I'm sure they will. Once this happens, I believe the upside potential and cost savings could become a reality. Until then I would caution that the savings on one side will be eaten up the increased administration on the other.
I would caution that there are hidden costs here which are not being considered. While I believe the iPad may eventually become a very useful business tool as the Council here believes it to be today, in the short term the iPad is not setup to be a business-ready device. This council should look into the added costs of administration of these devices. Since Apple has not setup the device to have true business "push" technology, for rolling out updates, etc... there will be an increased burden on city technology adminstration. I hope to see Apple address this in future upgrades of the iPad device, which I'm sure they will. Once this happens, I believe the upside potential and cost savings could become a reality. Until then I would caution that the savings on one side will be eaten up the increased administration on the other.
I would caution that there are hidden costs here which are not being considered. While I believe the iPad may eventually become a very useful business tool as the Council here believes it to be today, in the short term the iPad is not setup to be a business-ready device. This council should look into the added costs of administration of these devices. Since Apple has not setup the device to have true business "push" technology, for rolling out updates, etc... there will be an increased burden on city technology adminstration. I hope to see Apple address this in future upgrades of the iPad device, which I'm sure they will. Once this happens, I believe the upside potential and cost savings could become a reality. Until then I would caution that the savings on one side will be eaten up the increased administration on the other.