The firm explains that the iPad carries the wireless communications potential of a notebook computer, but in a much more subtle form that does not intrude on interpersonal interactions to the same extent.
Chief executive officers are told: "The iPad makes a strong statement in many customer-facing sectors, such as retail, hospitality and tourism."
Meanwhile, business leaders are told not to think about the tablet computer system in terms of its potential to boost productivity.
Rather, Gartner suggests it should be seen in the light of its "soft" benefits, like enhancing the desirability of the company to recruitment candidates.
By 2014, the analyst expects mobile data and voice communications to account for annual revenues in excess of $1 trillion (£620 billion).
