The acronym BYOD gets thrown around a lot these days and, no, it doesn’t have anything to do with alcohol. “Bring Your Own Device” refers to a growing trend where workers use their own smartphones, tablets, and computers to get work done rather than the devices provided by their workplace. this is already happening, oftentimes without the employer’s knowledge. BYOD could be seen as a security threat to some organizations, but a properly implemented BYOD policy including protection against data leaks could be a major opportunity to save money and increase productivity.
The Barriers and Benefits of BYOD
Implementing an official BYOD policy won’t happen overnight. Systems need to be in place to enable employees to connect their devices to the software and data they use to get their work done. This may mean reworking network security and developing new applications that are compatible with the devices your employees are using. That brings up another question: how do you make all these changes for the multitude of devices your workers are sure to bring in? You can’t just develop your new business applications for iOS if half of your employees are Android users. For BYOD to work, you need to make sure your system will function regardless of the device the employee is using.
But think of the benefits! Immediately obvious are the cost savings afforded by not having to worry about mobile operating system compatibility. On top of that, you can expect productivity to increase for company veterans and new hires alike. Your employees will be using the same device for work that they use in everyday life. That means they will already be familiar with the interface, so they will be quick on the uptake and less likely to make mistakes. Further, because most of these devices are mobile, workers will be able to quickly respond to changes and perform critical tasks wherever they are. Surely there is some way to reap these benefits and mitigate the drawbacks.
Uncorking the Cloud
BYOD means work isn't limited to the office.
The answer, as always, is PaaS. By developing on a “cloud-native” rapid application platform like Progress® Rollbase™, supporting the whole range of devices your employees are likely to bring into work is as simple as pressing a button. Plus, the familiar graphical interface makes it possible to quickly get your apps to users, so you don’t have to waste any time in implementing your new BYOD policies.
Your employees are probably already using their smartphones at work, why not embrace it?
Michelle Tackabery
An experienced content and social media marketing professional, Michelle writes frequently about the practical applications of information technology.