Hmmm, what is Avaya up to with this tablet device going through FCC approval? Eric Krapf of No Jitter analyzes:
So one possibility is that Avaya really intends to compete toe-to-toe on end-to-end. That would explain Avaya recommitting to its data product line, instead of shedding it, as many people expected they would when they acquired it as part of Nortel Enterprise.
Frankly, that’s the only possibility that makes any sense. If Avaya is building a tablet that’s essentially a tablet version of its proprietary desk phones–an Avaya-specific device, optimized for the Avaya platform, if not restricted to that platform–well, that just wouldn’t seem to make any sense. Proprietary desk phones can be inflexible devices that hang off a proprietary platform, because they’re not going anywhere. Tablets are mobile devices that are supposed to connect to different, often public, networks. Unless Avaya is planning some kind of dual-mode tablet–Avaya-optimized for the office, more generic for the outside world.
Personally, I’m not so sure about Avaya (or any Big Telecom companies) getting into such a thing, especially in tablet computing. The communications business isn’t about hardware any more — it’s now about applications. Plus, building computers isn’t a competency for Avaya or its peers. Leave that stuff to HP, Dell, Apple, and Microsoft, especially if it’s about tablet computing. Instead of coming up with its own tablet, why not develop a kick-butt app for the iPad (or other mobile devices) instead? Does Avaya really think it can create a better tablet computing experience than Apple (or other computer companies)?
Besides, nobody wants desk phones any more. It’s about mobility and portability. People want to get calls on their mobile devices now, be it a smartphone or a tablet computer. A fancy desktop phone with a big multi-touch capable screen may look sexy, but come on, it’s 2010 so let’s please move away from the desk.
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