I have heard that the only way to get apps for an ipad is from the apple store. Is there a way for a company to develop their on apps and install them on only their equipment without putting them in the store.
I'm not sure of the exact process, myself, but I'm 99.99% positive there's a way to do enterprise deployment of internal apps without having to go through the App Store to do it.
Yes, Apple has a means of companies developing in house proprietary apps available only to employees and/or customers/clients of that company and makes it easy to install them on the appropriate iPads or iPhones.
Apps STILL must be vetted by Apple before being allowed to be installed, unless the company chooses to jailbreak their company owned iPads or iPhones. If they choose to go that route, they lose all support from Apple.
Good Question ... the ONLY way to SELL software, is through iTunes. Apple is going to get their cut (30%, I believe). This is for the mass distribution software and books, etc. Stuff you want the general public to consume.
However, say a company like Delta Airlines wants to put their aircraft checkoff lists on the iPad (which they have); they can create an in-house solution to install on Delta-only equipment. I don't think Delta would want the general public having copies of all of their aircraft manuals and check-lists.