Survey: More enterprise technology workers would rather own a Windows tablet than an iPad

Nearly one third of tech workers in the enterprise sector say they would prefer their next tablet to run on the Windows platform, according to a Forrester Research survey. The survey revealed that 32 percent of information workers surveyed prefer Microsoft Surface, while only 26 percent favour the iPad and 12 percent would choose Android hardware. 

What's more is that the survey is said to have been carried out before the Microsoft Surface launched. But could tablets replace laptops with a Surface tablet? Ted Schadler, VP and principal analyst at Forrester Research commented the following:

“It’s not game over for Microsoft [...] The idea that I can take a laptop away from an employee and give them a tablet is a fantasy."

Of course we're probably not going to see Surface tablets (or any tablet) replace desktop or laptop computers any time soon, but it's interesting to see Microsoft's product being taken seriously in the enterprise market as well as the average consumer. The picture wasn't so bright for Windows Phone, with only 10 percent opting for the platform, while the iPhone and Android took 33 and 22 percent respectively.

Those who do use tablets for work purposes reported in at 58 percent for the iPad, which isn't much of a surprise. Microsoft has some way to go if it's able to wiggle in the Surface (or other Windows 8 tablets) into enterprise. But it's not the end of the road as there's still Windows 8. The company has to continue pushing its radical new operating system as well. 

The idea of Windows 8, Windows tablets and Windows Phones working together with compatible backend services is one Microsoft will have to ensure is pushed effectively to those who seek upgrades for tech employees to utilise in the industry.

Source: Forrester Research, via: UCStrategies