Get into cloud computing with rental options

The solution, dubbed Stargate, provides all that is required for immediate mobile computing productivity, with an affordable monthly rental plan.

"Tablets deliver serious advantages in terms of convenience and portability over notebook computers," says Darren McKinley, sales executive at Xepa. "Having adopted tablets within our own organization with great success, we looked at how we could help more travelling professionals get productive with a complete package at a low cost."

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which has received positive reviews universally, was selected as the device around which to build the solution. The Android-based device interfaces seamlessly with Google's cloud-based messaging and collaboration applications. Google Apps for Business includes Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Talk, Google Sites, Google Plus and 10-year email archiving, with unlimited storage. "As a Google Enterprise Partner, we looked for the best Android tablet on the market; after testing 12, the Galaxy emerged as a clear leader," McKinley notes.

On top of the applications, he says 3G connectivity is included in the financial plan, with 2GB of data per month. "While roaming, the device will rely on the mobile network. However, when returned to the office, the Wi-Fi connection will take over."

A Google Apps eLearning training module is included to help every Stargate user get maximum benefit from the convenience and power offered by what he describes as 'the complete mobile solution'. "Having used a tablet for sales calls and meetings, there is just no going back to a bulky notebook."

He points out that the monthly payment allows small to medium businesses to get their mobile workforce up to speed without any capital expenditure. However, there is an option to buy outright upfront if that is preferred.

With its understanding of the market, the company has not limited the deal to Samsung tablets only. It has a secondary option available, which is based around Apple's iPad 2 device. "For those companies that prefer using Microsoft Exchange or other email systems and related applications, a stripped down version is available, which includes the hardware and connectivity only.

"We've looked at the market and sought to provide some flexibility in the solution on offer - after all, there is an enormous amount of diversity in the technology that people use and how they use it; however, what is certain is that there is great interest in and demand for tablet computing."

Garth Francis, Xepa MD concludes, "Our intention is to create more value to our customers by offering business solutions, rather than merely selling a product or a technology.

For more information, go to www.xepa.co.za.