“TARMAC connects with existing directory services on a company’s network and automatically creates personalized configuration profiles for iPhone and iPad users. With the TARMAC web interface, users with no technical knowledge can set up their work email, contacts and calendars as well as receiving personalized security settings based on their role in the company. To install a profile on their iPhone or iPad themselves, users simply log in to the TARMAC web interface and follow a few simple steps,” the press release says.

TARMAC uses existing Active Directory, Open Directory, Open LDAP or MySQL databases.

For more info on TARMAC you can visit equinux.com/tarmac.

The device is primarily designed for web surfing, multimedia, gaming, and e-book reading. For business use, it could be interesting that it also runs iWork for iPad, the “first desktop-class productivity suite designed specifically for Multi-Touch.”

iWork for iPad consists of three applications: Pages for word processing, Keynote for slide-show presentations and Numbers for spreadsheet documents.

The three apps will be available separately through the App Store for $9.99 each.

The iPad also supports unmodified iPhone applications, including those for business.

Furthermore, an InformationWeek’s article suggests the iPad with the optional keyboard dock can be used as a replacement for a netbook or ultraportable laptop, while TechSuperpowers’ Michael Oh says iPad’s browser is suitable for work in web-based applications.

“This is a full-screen browser, which means software as a service [SAAS] or any Web-based app your business has instantly becomes the killer app for small businesses on this. It’s suddenly the easiest, lightest, cheapest option.”

However, the first iPad version doesn’t support multitasking, so users will be able to run only one app at a time. This could be a deal-breaker for many business users, as well as for consumers.

Apple’s iPad is scheduled for release in March with a starting price of $499.