Windows 7 vs Cisco Cius 10 Things Microsoft’s Tablet Computer Must Do to Compete
1. Real Enterprise UsabilityUsability is a key success factor for enterprise products. And The Cius offers that. Not only can customers bring it with them on the go, they can also plug it into supporting Cisco products and extend the device’s functionality. Microsoft will need to think long and hard on how it can make Windows 7-based tablets as useful. A few meetings with Dell to discuss those options might be a good idea.
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2. A Full-Fledged Windows 7Although Microsoft offers Windows 7 Starter edition for netbooks, and soon, tablets, the company should strongly consider offering the more for those who want more than basic Windows functionality. When Cisco launches Cius, the company it will run Google’s Android. If Microsoft can deliver a better alternative with Windows 7, the software firm will be in good shape.
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3. ConnectivityConnectivity could mean the difference between a Windows tablet being a success, and the device being an outright failure. Here’s why: Apple’s iPad doesn’t offer connectivity options — the only way for users to connect the device to anything is through Apple’s dock. But the Cius offers a USB port. A Windows tablet must have at least one USB port. Enterprise users need to connect peripherals to a device. Without a USB port (or two), a Windows-based machine would be useless to corporate customers.
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4. Integration Into Existing InfrastructurePart of the value of Cisco’s Cius tablet is integration into existing Cisco products already installed. On Microsoft’s side, the software giant must follow a similar tack. It should find ways to get the tablet working with its own products already in use at customer sites.
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5. A Front-Facing CameraOne of the most viable aspects of owning the Cisco Cius tablet is the ability to place a video conference call from the device when it’s connected to a Cisco phone system. Although a Windows tablet probably won’t do that, it should include a front-facing camera for video conferencing over Wi-Fi. The functionality could work with Skype or a similar service, giving enterprise customers the ability to communicate with video. Cius likely has Microsoft beaten on video conferencing, but Microsoft should deliver a somewhat useful alternative.
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6. A Firm Focus On ProductivityTo succeed in the tablet market, Microsoft must focus heavily on productivity. The Cisco Cius looks like it might be able to help achieve that goal, which means Microsoft and its hardware partners must respond with a device that delivers the same benefit. It won’t be easy, but if Microsoft wants to be a major player in the enterprise tablet space — and it should — it’s a necessity.
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7. Mobile And Office FunctionalityThe main reason for any company to get a tablet is to use it both while away from the office and in the office. Microsoft must ensure that the device works well for users no matter where they are. Enterprise customers will choose the best option that gives them the most usability either while on the road or while sitting in the office. Microsoft must keep that in mind.
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8. A Keyboard AccessoryPart of the problem with tablets for most enterprise customers is that they require users to type on the product’s virtual keyboard. For most enterprise users, that’s simply unacceptable. Realizing that, Microsoft must deliver a keyboard accessory that allows users, either through Bluetooth, or via USB, to run a physical keyboard in tandem with the tablet.
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9. Office IntegrationThe inclusion of Office on every tablet Microsoft’s hardware partners sell could be a key to its success in the enterprise market. Without the ability to view and edit Office documents on a tablet, it will be harder for Microsoft to sell the enterprise on its partners’ devices. The Cius will be running Android, and users will be able to edit Office documents from Google Docs without paying an additional fee. That’s important to keep in mind. And it’s something that Microsoft will need to address when it partners with tablet makers.
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10. A 10-inch DisplayOne of the few areas where Cisco has left an opening for the competition is in its Cius’ display. Rather than deliver a product that has the same display size as the iPad — 9.7 inches — the company has instead decided to offer a 7-inch display. That may be too small for enterprise customers. That’s why Microsoft should put pressure on hardware partners for a screen size of 10 inches. It’s just a bit bigger than the iPads, but substantially larger than the Cius. Microsoft can’t forget that in some areas, screen size really does matter.