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By Judy Mottl
If you're thinking those neat little netbooks hitting the shelves are just for consumers and not your business, you'd better think again. It's very likely that your CEO or VP of finance will knock on your door soon, with one in hand, asking you and your IT team to get it up and running.
Netbooks, those mini computing devices now priced under $500, bridge the gap between full-fledged laptops and today's smart personal digital assistants that have been deployed in most organizations. The sleek devices are grabbing greater attention on the business front, according to experts, for several reasons: they're easier to use than a BlackBerry when it comes to hefty email and Word documents, and they're lighter and less burdensome to carry and manage than laptops for the road warrior crowd.
"Right now it is in the early stages of adoption, but there is business-to-business adoption happening and we're seeing a lot of companies asking for demos and more interest on how they can help business," says Eric Binebrink, an associate marketing director with netbook sales at Verizon Wireless. The carrier currently offers the HP Mini 1151NR netbook through its direct sales channel to consumers and small and medium size businesses. The HP Mini costs $199.99 after a $50 rebate and a new two- year mobile broadband plan.
"The [product] response on the business side is exceeding expectations as netbooks are getting an awful lot of buzz. They truly offer another option that CIOs can provide to a mobile workforce," says Binebrink.
Yet experts don't recommend that tech leaders just rush out and grab a few. Just like any technology decision, netbooks require research, evaluation and return-on-investment investigation.
"They are a great solution for specific users and specific needs," explains Jim Lippie, president of Staples Network Services by Thrive.
The first step is determining what workplace issues a netbook would help. That requires reviewing what devices users are relying on for specific tasks, the hurdles work engagements and whether a netbook is the right solution to solve some of those challenges.
"You have to look at the business and evaluate what a netbook would provide. We recommend CIOs takes a holistic view of end user requirements and where the netbooks can fit in," says Binebrink.
For example, a netbook is great for remote salespeople who need email and access to Web-based technologies such as Salesforce.com applications, says Lippie. They're handy to have to check online information and access research for meetings on the road, as compared to smartphones like a BlackBerry.
But on the other hand, they're not great for road warriors who use several applications simultaneously to get work done, like remote engineers.
"In addition, netbooks are not good for users who do hours of writing or number crunching due to the small key board and screen size," notes Lippie, who is currently evaluating netbook options for his own use. While he's got a desktop, laptop and BlackBerry in play during his workday, his travel requirements could make a netbook very handy to have.
"It's extremely portable and easier to have on hand as I spend a fair amount of time on planes right now," explains Lippie.
Determining just which netbook product to deploy depends on a few factors.
Standardizing is always a good thing for an IT organization, as it streamlines support and device management. On the other hand, competition among netbook vendors is heating up so a better deal may be available through a new vendor.
Staple's network services works with SMBs that have between 10 and 250 employees. Lippie says that while it's too early to identify any particular netbook trends, he is seeing more companies lean toward outsourcing netbook deployment.
"It's an efficient way to deploy a fleet and provide necessary support while not burdening an already busy IT team," he notes.
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