Many businesses are turning to the trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) when it comes to the technology that employees use on a day to day basis. While it is most commonly associated with smartphones, BYOD can also apply to laptops and tablets.
Bring Your Own Device is part of a larger trend called IT Consumerization. In some cases the devices that employees bring to the workplace are supported alongside those that the company supplies.
Most often the device brought in by an employee is part of a parallel system and does not necessarily integrate with the company network. This is
commonly known as shadow IT.
Why BYOD Can Help Your Company
Using Bring Your Own Device in your business can decrease costs and increase productivity simultaneously.
Your sales executives complete their tasks while they are on the road, managers can access email and review important documents while out of the office and employees can stay up to date on current events in the company via their devices.
This policy will also allow for a large reduction in the amount a company spends on technology. Employees will gladly purchase a device of their liking if they can also use it for work. There is no longer a need to purchase large amounts of devices for your employees.
Morale will also increase if employees are allowed to bring in their own devices. Employees will feel more comfortable using their preferred device whether they be Apple, Android or BlackBerry. This will also save on training because there will be no learning curve. Employees will already know how to use their devices.
Security Concerns
A policy like this does present some concerns in regards to
security. BYOD adoption rates are anywhere between 40%-75% depending on region and industry, according to current data. This can present a lot of challenges for security managers in all industries. It is difficult to create a cohesive security plan when there are some many different operating systems that have access to confidential company data and information.
One of the main security risks of a Bring Your Own Device policy is that it is hard to detect a security breach if it happens on an employee-owned device. If an employee's device is compromised the security manager will have no idea it even happened.
Cloud Computing
One way to keep you company's data safe and secure is through cloud computing. By using this type of storage it will not be necessary for your employees to store any company information on their devices. By using a centralized cloud environment you can help prevent outside attacks coming from an employee's device BYOD is becoming more popular every year and is a trend that will soon be the norm for all businesses. If you want to stay competitive this is a trend that your business will have to address. By implementing a sound BYOD policy your company will reap the benefits of a happier, more productive workforce.
About the Author:
Joe Rittenhouse is the President of Business Development and a managing partner of
Converged Technology Professionals Inc. His expertise is in business consulting/therapy specializing specifically in VOIP, Cloud Services, and Contact Centers. Joe’s experience in the IT demographic encompasses over two decades. Outside of work, Joe is a Husband and father of four. Joe is also a self-proclaimed seasoned tour veteran of the Grateful Dead.