I reluctantly received an iPad as a birthday gift this year. Reluctant because I felt it was a bit too pricey for an oversized smart phone. Two days later I’m comfortably writing this blog post at 35,000 feet and wondering if the day is coming where I could just do away with my laptop.
Technology changes quickly and the rate at which the public has adopted the iPad shows us just how quickly.
Sure there are a few apps that would be better suited for a laptop; but the presumption that you need a full-fledged PC with the usual Windows software is becoming false. And with the upcoming release of decent Windows tablets from companies such as HP I may find life on the road technologically perfect.
I've challenged my network administrator to assist me in making my old files work on my iPad as seamlessly as possible. It’s been a great success so far.
It got me thinking. If this technology can make my life as a traveling CEO (Salesperson) easier, it could also benefit other insurance professionals: the producers taking applications from prospective clients, the traveling executives who need information quickly and efficiently, and the business development staff reviewing statistics and other data with their brokerages.
It’s funny how we tend to resist change but once we’ve let down our resistance we can no longer imagine living without it. If only Apple could make a transporter machine like in Star Trek. Beam me up Steve Jobs.
On another note, I'm thrilled with the response to our portal alternative, NexExchange. We're implementing with more and more insurers everyday. Brokers that have seen piloting with existing insurer implementations have been amazed by the simplicity and ease of use NexExchange provides them. We expect brokers will flock to these once-and-done implementations as we announce new releases over the next few months. If you run into me I’ll be happy to show you what we’ve been up to. I’ll just pull it up on my tablet.