Apple’s iPad tablet computer gained a new application for enterprise mobility this week with the unveiling of specialized ServiceMax software meant to keep field service personnel and sales professionals connected to the enterprise even when they are away from the office.
ServiceMax for the iPad is the latest in a growing list of iPad-based applications that promote enterprise mobility and worker connectivity. The application, built on Salesforce.com’s Force.com platform, allows field service workers to access materials pivotal to their jobs, including customer histories, warranty coverage, service route maps, parts inventory information, and service manuals.
The iPad application is hosted in a cloud computing model and connects to the main ServiceMax suite, allowing field workers in manufacturing or service industries to retrieve the data they need on the spot. Its integration with the Force.com platform affords Salesforce.com users access to the data in their customer relationship management (CRM) database as well.
ServiceMax CEO Dave Yarnold hailed the combined technologies’ ability to enable enterprise mobility, saying in a statement, “The iPad is a powerful device for mobile business needs—more companies are adopting it as a trusted business tool to help get work done. The bulk of our customers' work is done on the go, in the field, and the iPad and field service are an ideal match.”