The concept behind bring your own device (BYOD) policies is straightforward – employees using their own technology for work-related functions. However, there is much more than a simple plug-and-play mechanism behind integrating these technology strategies to a business. Security, wireless networking, bandwidth capacity and IT department influence all play a major role in the success of a BYOD deployment and a failure from anyone of them can derail the project.
A new slideshow of the often overlooked hurdles that companies must jump through because of an incomplete deployment plan has been released by online publication eWeek.
“Ignorance isn’t bliss with BYOD,” wrote Chris Preimesberger for the news source. “If you fail to put a strategy in place for managing mobile devices, employees will still use devices on the network. But by investing in tools to gain proper visibility, governance and control, IT can work with what employees want while improving network performance. Bottom line: BYOD can be a win-win.”
As with any technological innovation, security is a major concern. Data loss, breaches and missing devices need to be taken into account. Also, a smaller investment beforehand can prevent costly spending after a problem arises. In 2011, the average cost of a data breach was $5.5 million.
The role that IT departments fill will also evolve. With the increased number of devices in the office, IT professionals have a larger operational role and must secure and manage the additional technology.
More devices also means an increase in hardware trying to connect to the same wireless signal and less bandwidth to go around. Making sure an existing network is up to the challenge – before the added stress – can help avoid a massive internet slowdown, loss of productivity and complaints from employees.
To ensure a BYOD policy is successful companies should considering working with an experienced IT provider like CTI Technology.
Security, wireless networking, bandwidth capacity and IT department influence all play a major role in the success of a BYOD deployment and a failure from anyone of them can derail the project.
