Dealing with security
Security issues can also be worked around. Although the bank in St. Louis that Ashton is working with has a security policy requiring TPM and biometric support on laptops, netbooks being deployed were deemed security compliant when managed by AT&T's Device Protection and Control application.
"Think of that software like the BlackBerry Enterprise Server management tools," said Ashton. "The bank manages all of their netbooks through their AT&T portal, like they do their smart phones. They upload policies, find lost devices, and can remotely wipe devices if needed."
For biometric fans, the new Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 netbook includes VeriFace facial recognition software that leverages the built-in Webcam for authentication. Ashton said the Lenovo units for the bank included the VeriFace software.
For his part, SMU's Gwinn said he has security covered. "We use PGP full-disk encryption, which doesn't need TPM and works great. If someone wants a biometric reader, there are external ones."
Another tactic is to avoid any security problems in the operating system by avoiding the operating system in the first place. DeviceVM makes Splashtop for instant-on computing, which it licenses to netbook manufacturers. Splashtop includes VMware and Citrix clients, as well as a browser, all separate from the underlying operating system.
Splashtop is a Linux-based pre-boot operating system that runs a few functions without starting Windows. "Dell, HP and Acer are implementing our instant-on technology into business product lines that will be shipping this year, including some netbook models," said Steve Rokov, senior enterprise marketing manager for DeviceVM.
He added, "We're working on pilots in the financial services business to integrate netbooks into the approved list for purchase." The security layer provided by Splashtop, along with the thin client nature of the netbooks used in the pilot, eliminate the need for TPM support in the eyes of their financial services customers, he said.
"Some consider these more secure," said Rokov. "If you have some disk problems, we can still start our pre-boot operating system that's malware resistant. Depending on the configuration, you may still be able to get online if your Windows goes down."
Remember the notebook wars
According to Frost & Sullivan's Brehm, "Enterprises have adopted the same policies for netbooks as they had for laptops."
Brehm should know -- he uses a netbook in his office even though the official Frost & Sullivan policy says 'no netbooks.' He originally started using a netbook when his laptop needed to be repaired, but now prefers the smaller machine.
"I've bought three netbooks over the past year and a half," said Brehm. "My personal Acer netbook was granted a variance for work."
Company policies on laptops, and therefore netbooks, cover a variety of areas, including theft prevention, protection against data breaches if the unit is lost or stolen, and which models are approved for employee use. While some companies may allow employees to purchase a device of their choice, most organizations still provide a list of acceptable hardware options.
Personal netbooks fall under the same rules regarding company data compliance as do personal laptops. If your policy demands that laptops belonging to terminated employees must have their hard disks wiped before leaving the premises, personal netbooks should be held to the same standard, analysts pointed out.
Companies are going to have to decide how to handle the issue. "Like with the iPhone, do you buy and provide the hardware for the employees, or let them bring in their own hardware and write changes to your policy?" asked Brehm.
Enderle advises enterprises to become proactive before it's too late. "Netbooks are coming into companies already, often purchased by line departments in defiance of policy. IT should go to the departments and outline which models are acceptable and which aren't, for easier support of future netbook purchases."
"If' someone's going to make you eat something," said Enderle, "talk to the cook and see if you can make the meal palatable."
- Johanna Ambrosio contributed to this story.
James E. Gaskin writes books, articles and jokes about technology from his home in the Dallas area. Contact him at readers@gaskin.com.