My Technology

Sales of the brand new iPhone 4S exceeded $four million throughout its first three days of gross sales however it's not just shoppers who need to get their palms on Apple's newest technology - government businesses are additionally shopping for up Apple merchandise left and right. While the federal government tends to drag its toes in relation to adopting newer know-how, this hasn't been the case with Apple products. All the pieces from iPads to iPhones will be seen in current solicitations listed on the FedBizOpps website.

The new iPhone 4S options a complicated speech recognition program - "Siri" - which allows users to provide arms-free instructions to their phone. A faster new processor and eight megapixel digicam with updated lens are additionally hot features prone to entice buyers.

With over $25 million in authorities contracts awarded all through 2011, it is apparent that the US Government has had little hesitation in adopting Apple's products and services.

In some cases the adoption of Apple products has merely been the calls for of staff for better expertise and fewer dependence on the traditional, bodily office. From an article within the Washington Post:

"A recent Forrester Research examine showed 35 p.c of workers within the United States either buy their own smartphone for work, use unsanctioned Web sites or download unapproved applications on a piece computer. Why? Twenty 4 p.c of do-it-yourselfers say the know-how is best than what their job provides. Thirty-six % say they want it, and their employer won't provide an alternative. And practically forty p.c say they use it at house and, well, they need it at work, too."

Apple.com even has a particular "Apple Store for Government" with discounted costs for Federal, State and Local Authorities buyers and links to approved company resellers.

Over the last fiscal yr, over $1.1 million in contracts had been awarded to Apple Inc. by varied Federal Authorities agencies. Throughout September alone, over 25 federal authorities contracts were signed with varied government agencies for every thing ranging from iPads to Macbooks to OSX Maintenance. Even a purchase order for iTunes playing cards was made by the Small Business Administration throughout September.

The obstacles to adoption of the new iPhone 4S by authorities businesses will possible be excessive prices and security concerns. While the GSA has taken the lead in adopting new expertise resembling iPads, iPhones and Android devices, different businesses are exploring how greatest to combine these gadgets safely into excessive safety environments. Following a latest report from the Authorities Accountability Office stating that attempts to hack into federal computer systems have risen 650% over the previous five years, defending sensitive information is of excessive concern.

Prices additionally add up. The VA recently spent $30,000, the Airforce $171,000 and the GSA $145,000 on tablet gadgets such as the iPad.

Nevertheless, as new apps are developed that may support government initiatives - reminiscent of the new iPhone app that can fly an unmanned aircraft and finally could also be applied to the army's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in its drone program - it's certain the iPhone and different cellular units will turn into simply as ubiquitous in authorities companies as it has become in the non-public sector.          


MF