Today was a big day for Apple computers - or not so big, if you fell for the hype of the product - but the introduction of the iPad brings in a new level of computing to the industry. Not a netbook, but not an iPhone, the iPad is an inexpensively priced device that is "revolutionary" according to today's event.

Now, how revolutionary is up for debate, but it is interesting to note that the company is making inroads to the corporate world. According to the recent earnings call, COO Tim Cook noted that "some 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies are actively piloting or deploying iPhones, and 50 percent of the FTSE 100." 

Further, this interest has been driven by "recent features adds (aka support for Microsoft Exchange) and the 3GS launch." (Quotes and article from GigaOm's Om Malik).

If large corporations are beginning to adopt smartphones - beyond RIM's BlackBerry and Windows Mobile - but extended to Google Droid and iPhones, this brings in a new level of security and concerns about data loss prevention. While the SME market tends to be more desktop oriented, people do do basic tasks, especially email, on the fly. The iPhone and BlackBerry have shown this to be true. And with email comes the potential for accidental data leakage. 

With the SME, this becomes a greater concern as there is more to lose with an employee mistake. With compliance issues at the forefront of any company's mind and concern, company's need to ensure that just email is secure and prevent loss. That's where companies, such as Palisade Systems, will be able to help companies as they implement iPhones and iPads: the security on the email system will ensure that nothing bad gets out, that the company is not violating any PCI, HIPAA or FERPA compliance.

And that's the key. As more of these devices come into the forefront, and people who are tied down at desktops want to be able to answer emails on the run, they need to keep in mind that those emails have implications beyond the sale or answers. They need to be compliant for whichever industry they are in, making sure that they are protected, as well as their company. A robust DLP solution - such as PacketSure - helps them have peace of mind late at night, and sleep knowing things are protected.