Business Research Report
Evaluation of Information Technology Systems

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3
Introduction 4
Research Findings 5
Apple iPad 5
Toshiba Excite™ 13 6
Samsung Galaxy Note II 6
Recommendations 7
Conclusion 7
References 8

Executive Summary

For a large company, with a large sales department, with many remote employees, three different technologies that have emerged within the last five years were looked at to compare features, usability, and size. I also looked at was how easy or difficult each device would be to set up, as well as how secure each device would be for employees to use. The devices were compared to find which device would be best to have each employee use. The Apple iPad is practical for small businesses because it can be set up for fewer users and it easy to use, as well as compact, which makes it easy to transport form office to office or from home to home for remote employees. Unfortunately, for large companies, the Apple iPad can be difficult to set up for multiple users on a single iPad. Setting up devices for each work station can be very costly, as it requires its own hardware for each workstation. The iPad runs faster with the A6X chip, which launches the applications faster and makes the device run faster. The device can support a wide range of virtual private networks, which makes the device secure. The Toshiba Excite 13 Tablet is a little bigger than the iPad, which can make it harder to transport, but easier to use when at home or in the office. It is about the size of a regular notebook, so transportation really won’t be difficult. It is an easy to use device and makes it easy for people to multitask with. The battery on this device does not last as long as other tablets last, which can make it difficult to use when out in the field. Users can share files and reports with an SD card or USB device, which is ideal for offices. Sales people can use the device as a GPS device to navigate to client’s homes. Setting this device up for multiple employees is easier than the Apple iPad and can also be set up on a VPN. The Galaxy Note II is a cellular device, which runs off of cell phone towers and is easier to set up with a cell phone contract. The device is small, which makes it easy for sales people and remote employees to carry in their pockets. This device is also easy to keep charged, as a car cell phone charger can be used. The device can come with a 16GB, 32GB or 64GB storage and can transfer files not only with an SD card or USB device, but can also transfer files with the S Beam, which makes it easier to transfer files. Because this device is also a cell phone, communicating with colleagues is easy. It can also connect a credit card swiper to the phone to take payments on the cell phone device. This device can also be set up on a virtual private network to be made private so only employees can have access to the files on the device. Through my research findings, I have found that the best option for remote employees, mainly sales staff, will benefit most from the Samsung Gallaxy Note II. It will be easier for them to use, carry, charge, store files, and share files with. It will also enable them to take credit card payments on the device. The device will be as easy as setting up a cell phone contract in order to fit each employee with.

Introduction

For a large company, with remote employees, technology is extremely important, as remote employees with need a device that can access the web, put in sales orders, and communicate with colleagues while in the field. The sales department is especially sensitive to this, as they will need to be able to access all of these tools while in the field. While considering the possible tools that could assist the sales department, I researched three technologies that have emerged within the last five years to compare and contrast the differences and how each technology would be beneficial not only to the entire company, but specifically to the sales department. The first technology I researched was the Apple iPad. I looked at how the device could affect the business as a whole by looking at many of the features and how it can benefit the sales department. I also looked at how easy it would be to set the entire company up by setting the device up so the entire company can use the device as a remote user. The second technology I looked at was the Toshiba Excite 13 Tablet. I also looked at how this device would affect the entire business, particularly the sales department. This device was chosen as a possible alternative to the Apple iPad. I compared features of the iPad and the Toshiba Excite 13 Tablet. I also looked at how easy or difficult it would be to set this device up as a remote device for all employees to be able to use from home or out in the field. The final device I researched was the Samsung Galaxy Note II. I researched this device as an alternative to a tablet, such as the iPad and the Toshiba Excite 13 Tablet. I compared this device in size and features. I also compared how easy it would for this device to be set up as a remote device for the company, mainly the sales department. Each device has unique features and capabilities. Not all of the devices are the best option for a large company with remote employees. Each device was researched to compare the features. Finding the device that is user friendly, easy to set up for remote employees, and offers the most features is imperative to make the entire company more efficient, particularly the sales department, as they are in the field generating revenue for the company.

Research Findings

Apple iPad The Apple iPad now features an A6X chip, which makes the iPad run faster than previous versions, as well as making applications launch faster and run more smoothly. The IPad can run for up to ten hours on a single battery charge. The device can store up to 128 gigabytes, which makes it easier to store photos, applications, emails, documents, and videos. “iOS uses Microsoft Exchange Active Sync (EAS) to connect to and work with Microsoft Exchange Server for email, calendars, and contacts. In addition, though, IT admins can use EAS to manage configuration of iOS devices, and enforce security policies on remote iPhones and iPads.” (Apple iPad, Day 25: Can a Business Replace PCs with iPads?, 2011). Administrators can enforce security policies, such as passwords, on the iPad by using EAS. They can also block the use of the web browser or the camera functions. The iPad can support a wide range of virtual private networks (VPN) and additional applications can be installed to enable more VPN options. The iPad is also set up to automatically log on to local wireless networks, so the device will get connected to the internet quickly and stay connected. The device does not offer a way to have multiple users to use the device with separate logins.
Analysis: For small businesses, the iPad may be practical, as there will be few users on the device; however, unless a large company has many remote employees, the device is impractical because of the lack of ability to set up multiple users on a single device. Businesses such as federal contractors, who have a lot of remote employees, and small shops, who have very few employees working the shop, will benefit from using the Apple iPad because it is light weight and easy to use. Any company that uses the iPad in place of any other system will need to invest in the hardware to set the devices up as workstations, which can become costly, particularly for small businesses.
Toshiba Excite™ 13 Tablet This tablet is considered a big screen tablet, as it has a 13.3 inch screen, with HD+ display and a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio to make it easier to view and browse the internet. This tablet makes it easier for employees to multitask. It has an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and can connect to WiFi, making it easy to connect quickly to the internet and stay connected. The device also includes features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a 5 megapixel camera, with video and flash. Users can connect a SD card or a USB cable to share files, photos, videos, and more. The tablet features GPS, so users can use it as a GPS device or search for addresses, if needed. The device weighs 2.2 pounds, which makes it easy to carry. “With an Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and Nvidia graphics, the Excite performed far above other tablets.” (Toshiba Excite 13 Review, June 2012). Toshiba states that the Excite™ 13 can hold a charge for 13 hours; however, when tested through a laptop battery test, the charge lasted less than seven hours. Two different versions of the device are offered; a 32 gigabyte version and a 64 gigabyte version, depending on the consumer’s needs. It can also download all available Android applications. This device can be set up on a VPN to ensure security.
Analysis: The bigger screen of this device will make it easier for businesses to use as a regular computer, to type reports or view files. The light weight device will make it easy for employees to carry, as it is about the size of a regular notebook. Users can use the Bluetooth capabilities and the camera feature to join online meetings or connect with clients. Users can share files with SD card slot or the USB cable slot. It will be easy to connect to the internet with WiFi capabilities. Remote employees can also use the GPS feature to navigate or to search for addresses or businesses. The downfall of the device is that is claims to have a 13 hours battery charge, but when tested, only held a charge for less than seven hours; this will be difficult for employees, such as remote employees, who are not working in an office environment or near a charging port.
Samsung Galaxy Note II The Galaxy Note II is a cell phone device with a 5.5 inch screen. It has a 16:9 screen ratio. The screen enables the user to do multiple tasks. The device comes with an S pen, so users can write on the device as though it were a notebook. Users can store contacts. It can connect to WiFi or a 4G network with phone service. The front of the device has a 1.9 megapixel camera and the back of the device has an 8 megapixel camera. The Samsung Galaxy Note II has an HD Super Amoled display. This device can download all available Android applications. The Note II also has video capabilities, so users can join online meetings. It has gaming hubs and media hubs for entertainment purposes. The device can connect to WiFi, has a USB port, or can share files using the S Beam, which means if you put two devices together, the files will automatically transfer to the other device. It comes with a standard lithium-ion battery, so it will hold a charge as an average cell phone does. The memory options for this device can be 16 gigabytes, 32 gigabytes, or 64 gigabytes. The device can also be set up on a VPN to ensure privacy.
Analysis: The smaller screen for this device will enable employees to carry this as though it were a phone. Even though the battery life only holds a charge of a typical cell phone, it will make it easier for remote employees to plug their device into a car charger if carrying it with them. The device can share files easily with the S beam by simply putting the two devices together. The S pen enables users to write emails and notes to themselves. Users will have to carry cell phone service, but that eliminates the need for installation software and enables users to connect via telephone or video chat with other employees or clients. With cell phone devices, companies can also connect a credit card swiper to the device so employees can collect payments on their device. The device can be made private, which is an important feature.
Recommendations

Recommendation: I recommend that the company engage in a cell phone plan with a cell phone provider, such as T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless, in order to provide every employee with a Samsung Galaxy Note II. This device will be particularly useful to the sales department, as it enables them to share information easily by allowing them to put their devices together to use the S beam, transfer files using the USB port or WiFi. They also can use their devices as cell phones so they are always accessible. I also recommend that the company also buy devices to connect to the Note II so the sales department can collect credit card payments on their device by swiping the credit card. I do not recommend that the company adopt the Apple iPad or the Toshiba Excite™ 13 Tablet because although they have many of the same features, they are bigger, which will make them slightly more difficult to carry than putting the device in your pocket. They also do not have cell phone capability or the ability to use the device as a payment machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the company should engage in a cell phone plan so every employee can be connected with a Galaxy Note II. In particular, the sales department will benefit from the use of this device. The Galaxy Note II features a 5.5” screen, which makes it easier for employees to carry. The Toshiba Excite™ 13 and the Apple iPad are tablet devices, which make them bigger and harder to carry around, even though they are light weight. All have excellent operating systems and can share files using the USB ports and WiFi; however, the S beam allows easier file sharing by simply putting the devices together. The Note II can also be connected to a credit card swiping device, whereas the other two devices cannot do this. The Galaxy Note II can also use the S pen to write notes and emails, whereas the The Toshiba Excite™ 13 and the iPad use the users fingers to do these functions.

References

iPad. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/ipad/features.
Apple iPad, Day 25: Can a Business Replace PCs with iPads? (2011). Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/236790/apple_ipad_day_25_can_a_business_replace_pcs_with_ipads.html.
Excite™ 13 Tablet. (2013) retrieved from http://www.android.com/devices/detail/excite-13-tablet.
Toshiba Excite™ 13 Review. (June 2013). By Michael A. Prospero. Retrieved from http://www.laptopmag.com/review/tablet/toshibaexcite13.aspx.
Samsun Galaxy Note II. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note2/spec.html?type=find.
How to use VPN on Galaxy Note II. (2008 – 2013). http://www.vpntraffic.com/index.php?action=content&cont_id=1323. iOS: Setting up VPN. (2013). Retrieved from http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1424.
The Remote Access Your Workforce Wants. The Security Your Business Needs. (1999 – 2003). Retrieved from http://www.juniper.net/us/en/dm/sslvpn-demo/?gclid=CPT879vV5LgCFe1DMgodbFgA7A.