Early on in its lifespan, the iPhone was considered just a consumer gadget. Cut to the present, just over three years later, and it’s a different story. According to a recent Bloomberg article, Apple, led by Chief Executive Officer Jobs, said about 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies are deploying or testing the iPhone for corporate e-mail use, including Procter & Gamble and General Electric.

A similar pattern seems to be unfolding for Apple with the iPad, and at a more accelerated rate. It has been on the market just under nine months and already it’s being hailed as revolutionary for business. Apple says more than 65 percent of the Fortune 500 already are testing or deploying the device.

Stats aside, it definitely is a hot topic of discussion. Here are some of the headlines from the past few weeks about the iPad: “Enterprises ‘Jazzed’ About iPad, Says Analyst” (Computerworld); “The iPad in Business” (ZD Net); “Tablets Get Down to Business” (CFO Magazine); “Gartner Warns Business Leaders Not to Ignore iPad” (ZD Net UK); “Gartner Urges Enterprises to Climb Aboard the iPad Train” (9To5Mac); “CEOs to CIOs: We Need the iPad!” (CIO.com); “CEOs Should Stay Away From iPad, Wait For Android” (Katonda).

Here’s why we in the IT community should care:

It’s not a netbook, nor PC replacement; it’s a companion device, one that gives workers a new level of freedom and a positive outlook to mobility.  For users in the sales field, for example, the iPad is perfect for on-the-go presentations and contract execution. In health care, it means instant patient records. In automotive, it means selling a car and signing the contract literally on the lot.

And whether you have come up with a plan or not, iPads and other new tablets are likely to  find their way into your office. They’re super-efficient. They’re fun.  They’re pleasing to the eye. And they’re in high demand. They still lack important security features, but Apple, other device manufacturers,and IT departments are working to find a solution.

For now, Gartner recommends that IT organizations provide at least some iPad support for a limited number of key users, and prepare a budgeted plan for widespread support of the iPad by mid 2011.

In a recent press release, the VP of Gartner, Stephen Prentice, said: “While there are no certainties, the iPad looks set to become a market-disrupting device, like the iPod before it. Even if you think it is just a passing fad, the cost of early action is low, while the price of delay may well be extremely high,” he added.

For further reading:

6 Key Considerations for IT in a Mixed Mobile Environment

Gartner to CEOs: Seize the iPad Opportunity Now

Gartner Says Worldwide Media Tablet Sales on Pace to Reach 19.5 Million Units in 2010

iPad review from Life as a Health Care CIO