Just before officially launching an Android-based tablet, Cisco unveils a first of its kind app platform that would stir up the interest of its upcoming Cius Tablet. The company introduced AppHQ, an application ecosystem that enables enterprise users to create, manage and deploy applications specifically for Cisco Cius.

Unlike most tablets which are geared for consumers, Cisco focuses on enterprise customers and business professionals. Cius boasts its Android-based technology and security features. With AppHQ, IT managers could have more control on what applications can be used for the tablet. Companies could create private customized applications that suit their needs. The app platform is highly secure, which has gone through validation process and testing, and is actually a “store-within-a-store.” Businesses have the essential  customization functionalities necessary to deploy their applications.

Cisco indicates that the Cius provides access to Cisco collaboration apps, including Cisco WebEx meeting applications, Cisco Quad social software, Cisco Jabber messaging and Cisco TelePresence.

With the  Cius yet to be released, Cisco already faces stiff competition.  Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market currently dominate the app ecosystem with upwards of 600k apps between them.  Appealing to both consumer and business users, RIM has created the 7-inch Playbook. RIM is planning to take on Android apps to reach a wider market. Meanwhile, the 9.7 inch TouchPad from Hewlett-Packard will soon to be released with its WebOS platform.

But Cisco’s looking for a business-oriented alternative, instead of giving employees free reign to the hundreds of thousands of apps in existing marketplaces.  Cisco senior director and product management for Cius, Tim Puorro said, “I can’t argue with the success if the iPad. It’s a great consumer product, but most people who bring tablets to work use them for email and watching movies. We thought a device should do more. Cius is an enterprise grade device.”

For most of its existence, Cisco has always been focusing on business enterprise, government agencies and service providers. It was with Flip that they tried to access the consumer market, and failed. It’s public knowledge how they struggled with their consumer expansion strategy, and had to refocus back to their core clients. After losing Flip and mass immigration of executives to close competitors, this might be a light at the end of the tunnel for Cisco.