Business not ready to embrace 'open' iPad

THE iPad's infiltration of the corporate world could be on hold as security concerns scare away big business.

Security concerns may hinder the iPad's entry into the workplace. Picture: Reuters

AS consumer demand for the Apple iPad continues to grow, the device's widespread infiltration into the corporate world could still be a few years off as security concerns scare away big business.

The Australian reports Apple has sold over three million iPads worldwide since launching it in April, but concerns about the lack of security built in to the device is hindering its success in the commercial world as IT departments struggle to keep tabs on users' browsing and download habits.

"You can download anything on the iPad because no security applications have been developed for the enterprise yet," Ovum senior analyst Claudio Castelli said.

"It's not enterprise-friendly yet because it's completely open, so I doubt businesses will be adopting its widespread use at the moment."

While the iPad can be used to browse the internet, access emails, read e-books and view video content, large businesses are concerned that the device's lack of security and user management tools could threaten its ability to hold sensitive data.

Those concerns were made real when a security breach recently revealed the email details of 114,000 AT&T iPad customers in the US.

There is also no way for IT administrators to remotely wipe the iPad - unlike the iPhone - should it be lost or stolen.

These concerns have led the Department of Finance and Deregulation to ban the iPad from being used to hold classified information or access networks that hold such information.

For similar reasons the Commonwealth Bank does not issue its staff with iPads or allow them to access its corporate network with the device.

Read more about iPad security concerns at The Australian