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Social media and the use of tablets and smart devices have become an integral part of consumer technology—and an increasing number of end-users are bringing mobile devices that enable collaborations both into the home and into the workplace. This is just one example of how the use of mobile devices is changing the way companies do business. As the increasing prevalence of a mobile workforce—laptop, smartphone, and tablet users—becomes commonplace, it sets up the basis for a paradigm shift away from the PC to mobile devices for computing.

In a recent Forrester (News - Alert) Research report, it stated that burgeoning cloud services will play such an integral role in the connected future that consumers will first choose a service, then the compatible device as the focus shifts from device to personal content storage services The increased use of smart devices poses significant control and support problems for IT teams in companies where they’re being used.

Data security is another issue because all types of information can be compromised through lost or stolen technology. Mobile devices, especially laptops, also increase the possibility of malware infiltrations and viruses that can quickly spread throughout a network. These are just some of the concerns indicated by the shift. However, secure computing platforms will make their way more solidly into the office, the report said. Even though the same functionality is heading to the PC, the form factor and mobility of tablets give them a clear edge over PCs, the report says.

According to Frank Gillette, principal analyst on Forrester's business technology futures team, “Over the next four years, tablets will gain new sensors, processing power, and better wireless capabilities for connecting with nearby devices. This will enable full voice control and dictation, increased gesture control, more situational context, better accessory integration, and software that anticipates a user’s needs.” Apple (News - Alert) is expected to hold its prominence in the market, but the advent of the Windows 8 tablets is expected to pull some of the Android market, according to the report.  

Ultimately, PCs will be redefined, figuratively and literally, the report said. It will come to mean more about the experience than the machine, and look for a traditionally big player to continue to flex its muscles—Microsoft (News - Alert). The company is building a software architecture with touch computing fully integrated. But the user experience is informed and enhanced by a vibrant app ecosystem, which is slowly being populated behind others with a multi-year head start. “Once rolling, however, we expect Microsoft will be a significant player,” Gillette wrote.