The Engineering News Record recently polled its readership to determine which construction software and technology they are using now and which solutions they want to adopt in the future to improve results. Despite the trend of shifting to industry-specific programs, the top technology is consumer electronics - namely, Apple products.

Apple's iCloud, iPad, iPad 2, iPhone and iPhone 4 were all in the top 10 technology and software contractors are most interested in using. In particular, mobility seemed to be a high-level priority, with tablet devices from other electronics manufacturers - such as Samsung's Galaxy Tab - also appearing in the top 100 products.

Many contractors are using these mobile devices to improve communication. For example, contractors can use them to ask questions to architects and share digital design plans. They could also access data stored in the cloud through mobile applications.

Apple is looking to further enhance the capabilities of contractors by developing new products. For example, the Cupertino, California-based company recently launched the iPad 3, which sold more than 3 million units in the first three days of availability.