CES showcases potential next BYOD gadget

For IT departments that have embraced the mobile trend of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategies, it is crucial to stay on top of the latest devices on the market. Employees pay attention to the blogosphere and know what the latest must have gadget is. This means that new smartphones and tablets could be be brought to IT departments before tech employees are even aware of them.

Currently happening in Las Vegas is the Winter Consumer Electronic Show (CES). The convention features a number of the top tech vendors showing off the latest mobile devices and accessories and is filled with consumer hype and speculation. In year's past, current staples of the BYOD marketplace have been featured and some speculate that the next gadget to grace offices around the country could be on the showroom floor.

Shawn Dubravac, CEA's chief economist and senior director of research, gave the CES pre-show keynote address, and his comments highlight how consumer devices have changed the business world, especially as we enter the "post-smartphone era."

To see how mobile devices have changed, Dubravac spoke about the evolution of the iPhone. In 2007, the smartphone's main focus was communication with phone calls, texting and e-mail. Now, 65 percent of the time spent on mobile devices is used for a function other than communication.

Consumer technology has moved out of the house and into the office. IT departments need to be aware of what tools their employees are using to accomplish business tasks. With the help of a trusted IT consultant like CTI Technology, companies can ensure that internal network security and infrastructure are up to the challenge.