BIS launches new services for Apple iPad users
Recognizing the growing popularity of computer tablets and employee interest in greater access to mobile computing, Business Information Services (BIS) will offer new service options for Apple iPads beginning at the end of January.
In the same way that the City provides desktop and laptop computers for employees who need them to perform their work, BIS will facilitate the purchase of iPads for departments and will offer iPad-related services to all iPad users.
iPad device costs
Departments can purchase an iPad for departmental use through BIS. The cost for a department to purchase a Wi-Fi Apple iPad through BIS ranges from $499 to $699, depending on capacity. The cost to purchase a Wi-Fi Apple iPad+3G ranges from $629 to $829. Departments can also purchase smart covers, power adapters, wireless keyboards and extended warranties for iPads through BIS.
Two access service levels for iPads
City iPad services are available to all employees who use an iPad, regardless of whether the iPad is purchased and owned by the City or whether the iPad is purchased and owned by an individual employee.
iPad users can sign up for either the Basic Service or the Premiere Service access package.
- Basic Service provides iPad access to work email, calendar, tasks and contacts. (Whether the iPad is department-owned or employee-owned, there is no fee for this service. However, departmental authorization is required for employee-owned iPads.)
- Premiere Service provides iPad access to work email, calendar, tasks and contacts as well as access to VPN, CityTalk and City network drives and folders. The Premiere Service also offers access to the new Minneapolis App Store which offers work-related productivity apps and training material. Departments pay a one-time enrollment fee of $100 for this service.
Minneapolis App Store
BIS has selected City-specific applications that can be used by iPad users who have selected the Premier Service. Apps include:
- Cisco AnyConnect: VPN software to connect to the City network to view your H drive or M drive.
- File Browser: Once you have used Cisco AnyConnect to VPN into the City network, use this tool to browse your H drive or M drive (department drive). Learn more: Browse your H or M Drive
- iAnnotate: Allows ability to read and edit .pdf documents. Learn more: Edit pdf documents
- QuickOffice Pro HD: Microsoft office productivity tool for your Word documents, Excel documents, Power Point documents and PDF documents.
Details about the new service will be posted by the end of the month at http://citytalk/bis/products/.
Published Jan. 18, 2012