Virtual Office Resource

For consumers and developers alike, the iPad has set the bar in the tablet market. Apple (News - Alert) unveiled a flashy product upfront that closely resembled the iPod line and people were hooked. It's hard for anyone to see past the latest version, especially when it comes to the unlimited uses in the virtual office.

So many work platforms are turning to this element for their day-to-day operations, according to this Digital Trends report. Whoever can create the most optimal virtual office solution might just be the winner. Google (News - Alert) and Microsoft must convince consumers everywhere that their tablet is more revolutionary than Apple's. It'll be hard to break the iPad cycle.

The good news is the 2012 holiday season will test the abilities of every tablet out there, making the market more competitive than it ever has been. More realistically, iPad competitors will bring in the big guns to showcase why they are the superior product. But it'll be a tough sell to the hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans who head back to the trough year after year.

Google's Nexus Tablet and Microsoft's (News - Alert) Surface look like solid contenders. Google will have a bit of an advantage going into the holiday season. With proven success in the Kindle Fire, not to mention a year of experience working out any kinks, Nexus will be promising.

The only question is how far will that take them with a new version of the Fire coming out as well? As for Microsoft, they merely need to step up to the plate, especially if they want their place in the virtual office arena.

In the past, it is failed marketing attempts that have lessened the fan fare surrounding any of its new products. Microsoft must learn to be more aggressive and go after consumers accordingly. Size, price and capacity will all be the determining factors of the tablet market.

And all three play a crucial role in virtual office solutions as not every user fits that one-size-fits-all template, Google and Microsoft could dominate the business sector.

The productive choice this year is most likely going to be Microsoft. Unlike Google, which is focusing on entertainment and value, Microsoft's Surface will be valued as a productivity tool. This will be perfect for virtual office users.

Because tablets and smartphones can have some productivity handicaps because of their size, this will be a big challenge. Only at 13.3 inches does any laptop get market shares to significant numbers.

Those in the virtual office arena are likely to dictate much in terms of the winner of the tablet wars. Will Apple enjoy continued reign? Only time will tell.

Want to learn more about today’s powerful mobile Internet ecosystem? Then be sure to attend the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo, collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct. 2-5 2012, in Austin, TX. Co-sponsored by TMC (News - Alert) Partner Crossfire Media the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo provides unmatched networking opportunities and a robust conference program representing the mobile ecosystem. The conference not only brings together the best and brightest in the wireless industry, it actually spans the communications and technology industry. For more information on registering for the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo click here.

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