Computing Services: What Is The Bring Your Own Device (byod) Movement?
Todays mobile computing services have caused IT departments to have to adjust their policies
. Users not only bring their own devices to the work place, but their own applications as well. In this new Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) dynamic, IT must strike a balance between allowing workers to perform in ways comfortable to them yet still maintaining appropriate control over performance and security issues.
When businesses consider the BYOD movement, they can look at many positive aspects. For example, when users bring in their own devices, they become mobilized in the way they work. In other words, they can work efficiently outside the office. A more available workforce means increased productivity.
Plus, companies dont have to pay for the devices employees use to do their work. iPads, Laptops, smartphones and more are employee owned yet used to complete work assignments.
So whats the downside to mobile
computing services and the BYOD movement? First, users expect their devices will be supported by the IT department if theyre using them to work on company projects. Supporting an often huge number of different devices can challenge any IT staff. IT tends to lose significant control in a BYOD scenario.
Also complicating the BYOD initiative is how IT will get the necessary company applications delivered to each device. This project alone can be overwhelming.
Does Greater Workforce Mobility Trump IT Control?
Because business is headed in the direction of increased mobility in computing services, IT departments will need to find ways to embrace BYOD strategies. Theyll have to work through the challenges of managing a wide variety of user-owned devices. Application delivery, security issues and individual support are the primary difficulties.
Since workforce mobility is clearly here to stay, IT must define how computing services will be delivered and supported. Successful BYOD initiatives start with a good plan thats been signed off by executive staff. With proper guidelines, companies can find the happy medium between leverage BYOD without giving up crucial IT controls.
Although mobile computing services with BYOD can be of major benefit to a company, it also cant be allowed to be a free-for-all. IT departments simply cannot support everything and anything a user wants to use as a tool to complete work projects.
Taking an Objective Look at BYOD Computing Services
Its clear BYOD offers both benefits and challenges to a company and its IT department. The goal, therefore, is to develop a sound plan to reap the benefits and eliminate the concerns.
The lists below outline the major advantages and challenges businesses must consider to develop workable BYOD programs.
Cost savings typically result from a BYOD strategy. Users pay for their devices rather than the company. In some cases, users pay for their applications, voice and data services as well. This shift in purchasing leaves more money in the IT budget for other strategic programs.
Users gain greater satisfaction by working with devices they select. Different employees feel distinct levels of comfort with certain devices. Most workers would rather not be forced to use computing services they dont like.
When working with a personally-owned device, users tend to keep it updated with the latest and greatest versions of tools. They can quickly upgrade to the newest technologies and resources. However, in many cases, waiting for IT support for upgraded computing services can be painstakingly slow.
A major drawback of BYOD is the lack of control. Employees may not be amenable to an IT department telling them what they can and cant do with their own devices. However, without some control, IT security could be at greater risk. A plan that clearly states security policies while performing work on behalf of the company is mandatory.
Another critical area of BYOD planning is safeguarding data and complying with federal regulations. HIPPA compliance, for example, must extend to the data housed on an employee-owned device just as it covers data on company devices. Policies regarding data security and retrieval in the event of employee termination have got to be in place before BYOD becomes acceptable company practice.
BYOD computing services can create much greater mobility and productivity in a companys workforce. However, implementing the strategy doesnt come easily. With proper planning and sound practices developed before a BYOD policy goes live can allow the significant advantages to surface without any negative issues.
by: Steve Roberts
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