Creating a more mobile workplace with BYOD

One of the hallmarks of the modern office environment is an increased level of flexibility in the way that we work. As the internet has evolved from painfully slow wired dial-up to blistering ultra-fast broadband over WiFi and 4G, we’re no longer tethered to our desks like we once were.

When it comes time to assess IT solutions, more and more businesses are adopting a bring your own device (BYOD) technology platform for their employees. In their 2015 BYOD and Mobility Study, Cass Information Systems found 55 per cent of respondents had seen more BYOD in the workplace in the last 12-18 months. That rise is reflected in the number of enterprises operating with a complete or majority BYOD strategy, a figure which leapt from 7 per cent in 2014 to 16 per cent in 2015.

The ingredients of successful BYOD

Should you choose to adopt BYOD in your own office, one of the first things you may notice is a much more diverse environment of devices. Each person has their own preference regarding the technology they use in their personal lives – iPhone users versus Android die-hards, for example.

Whatever their reasons, whether related to productivity, compatibility or even aesthetics, supporting the choices of your staff can lead to a much happier workplace. That said, the integration of a wider range of devices may not be as simple as each employee bringing in their laptop and connecting to the WiFi.

It’s worth ensuring that Apple Mac support is allowed by your office IT infrastructure.

With figures from Statista showing that the number of OS X users regularly hovers around 10 per cent of the market, it’s worth ensuring that Apple Mac support is allowed by your office IT infrastructure. 

Accounting for mobile security concerns

One of the greatest challenges involved in transitioning to BYOD is making sure that security precautions are robust, particularly in the case of mobile devices. The popularity of smartphones and tablets has made them a target for cybercriminals, and having these devices connected to your business network potentially leaves your sensitive data exposed. 

Accounting for this additional risk should become a part of any IT planning for offices allowing BYOD, but implementing a security system to cover mobile devices may require some outside assistance. Imagetext Integrated Solutions have the expertise you need at every step of your BYOD implementation journey, from Mac integration to protecting data on your office network. 

Give us a call today, and offer your employees more choice with BYOD.