Bring your own device (BYOD) in the workplace has become so prevalent in many organizations -- businesses need to set up an appropriate policy quickly to ensure security and confidentiality.
One recent report says that some 73 percent of enterprises give outside personal devices access to their corporate IT. Popular devices being used for BYOD include tablets and smartphones. Some 49 percent of CIOS are allowing employees to use personal devices at workplaces, one recent study found. Many employees also use their own applications in the workplace.
Alsbridge, Inc., a telecom advisory firm, has come up with some suggestions on how to implement BYOD, including evaluation, the proper sponsorship and the correct implementation plan.
“The proliferation of employee-owned smartphones and tablets continues to accelerate,” Ben Trowbridge, Alsbridge CEO, said in a statement. “Employees everywhere are growing impatient with standard issue devices and capabilities that many enterprises still deploy. CIOs and their IT organizations are faced with a profound challenge: Satisfy the demand for device, platform and application flexibility while mitigating the financial, operational, technical and security risks that emerge.”
When coming up with a policy, organizations should specify clear policies that spell out the specific devices and apps that will be supported under BYOD. Also, specify which ones will be excluded.
The business should clearly understand why it is coming up with a BYOD policy. Alsbridge has pointed out that BYOD is not right for every company; there should be a weighing of the benefits vs. the drawbacks.
Another part to the policy is determining how the data on apps or devices will be handled by the business. This involves security questions and management policy.
Another question is whether employees who bring their own devices or apps to work will be reimbursed or receive other payments. Some organizations may choose to offer them nothing. Other organizations will “buy” personal devices from employees for the rest of their employment with the company, according to an Alsbridge Insight whitepaper, “Mobile Consumerization Takes Flight.” They then get returned when an employee leaves. Companies stand to save money when employees bring their own devices rather than have the business supply them.
Another possible cost area relates to training and support for employees on BYOD. These areas need to be supported.
Still another issue is desktop as a service so employees can get access to enterprise apps and data.
There will be potential difficulties for any organization with BYOD, Alsbridge said. The obvious one relates to device and information security. There is also the change in process which will be needed. Disruption, after all, needs to be limited.
“Perhaps the most profound obstacle is the absence of consistent best practices and ‘showcase’ BYOD scenarios,” Alsbridge said in the statement.
“BYOD and broader consumerization strategies are not for everyone,” Trowbridge adds. “It requires careful evaluation, the right sponsorship, and the right implementation plan to be successful. The benefits should be meaningful and compelling, and encompass business advantages that stretch far beyond cost savings.”
Edited by Rachel Ramsey