TfL moves to embrace Apple devices but Windows 8 use a way off

Transport for London (TfL) is looking to support Apple products as part of a new device use policy, but Windows 8 support is a way off, according to the organisation's chief information officer (CIO).

Steven Townsend told V3 of the plans to allow the use of Apple devices as part of a 'persona-based technology programme' that could see certain staff allowed to use a more varied range of devices.

“This is something we are moving towards – an end-user computer programme, which will use different technology to support people in the organisation, according to their job function,” he said.

“So there are six to eight different personas within the organisation, like maintenance, revenue control inspectors and IT engineers, and they would all have a different persona. The IT will then fit around them. Some personas will allow staff to have access to mobile devices and tablet based technology, while other personas may mean hot desks.”

He added this could mean Apple products are allowed for staff for the first time: “Personally I have always been an Apple man. I’ve owned Macs for 10 years or more, not just since it’s got trendy.”

While Apple may be more widely used at TfL there are currently no plans to embrace Windows 8 at an early stage, although it could increase in use in future.

“Those staff being given access to new Windows desktops will be moved to Windows 7, but towards the end of the [persona] programme deployment, they will probably be using Windows 8 desktops,” he said.

“Windows 8 is in our sights but it is relatively new. We are not a bleeding-edge test bed for technology and want to see Windows 8 deployed across the industry first so we can learn from mistakes.”

The comments from Townsend come from an in-depth interview in the latest issue of the V3 Tablet App, which went live on Friday. The latest issue also features a raft of unique content including a look at the recent Computex trade show in Taiwan and a piece on the history of Sony.

You can download the latest issue of the V3 Tablet App for free by registering on the V3 website and using your login credentials to download a free copy of the app.