The BYOD Revolution: Business You Only Dream Of
In the post Top 10 Reasons the Cloud is Better, reason #10 discusses the convenient ability to use cloud computing as a means of accessing information. More specifically, with regards to using cloud computing in a business setting, such unprecedented access to files and documents could be revolutionary for efficiency and productivity – something which we have already begun to see over the past couple years.
In the article, the final reason reads:
“The explosion in mobile technology has been a huge driver for cloud tech and getting to one pool of files via any of the various wireless devices we use now is a natural progression in data storage.”
Therein lies the concept of businesses implementing a BYOD policy. Don’t know what a BYOD policy is? BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device and refers to the business practice of allowing employee-owned devices such as tablets and smartphones to access corporate files, contacts, calendars, etc. With society beginning to operate at a faster pace, going mobile with one’s work has nearly become a must in many industries.
But what does a faster-paced society have to do with employees using their iPads at work? Giving employees the ability to access work while away from their desk has proven to improve one’s life-work balance, increase workplace morale, as well as improvements in net productivity. In fact, in a survey conducted by the enterprise mobility vendor iPass, results showed that employees who used their mobile devices for both work and personal purposes actually put in 240 more hours per year as opposed to those who did not. With stats like that, it’s pretty hard to deny the advantages of implementing a BYOD policy.
When discussing BYOD policies in the workplace, it is safe to say that the advantages and benefits of such a program are pretty convincing. However let it be known that implementing a BYOD strategy is not all glitter and rainbows. In fact it is important for companies to tread lightly when opting to allow personal devices in the workplace. Where in such policies can greatly benefit overall efficiency, it is naïve to believe that such integrations of ones work and personal lives does not come with its complications. When choosing to go with a BYOD workplace environment, employers must be sure to down strict and precise guidelines to determine how personal devices will be used at work.
Understandably so, I feel that there will be countless companies out there that strongly believe in adhering to more traditional business practices. Let’s be honest, if not carried out correctly, a BYOD policy could just be asking for trouble. But as I mentioned earlier, to deny its benefits is childish. Whether you like it or not, the times they are a changin’ and you don’t want your business getting left behind. BYOD policies are one of the hottest business trends out there today and it is only a matter of time before such strategies become mandatory.
The biggest issue we face with the rise of BYOD implementation is simply managing that balance between the work life and personal life of employees – all the while ensuring the security and confidentiality of corporate information.
About The Author:
Demetrius Turner is the self-proclaimed king of billiards in Nashville, TN. Through helping out with his brother’s small business ventures, and being a techie, Demetrius has become an expert on choosing VoIP services providers, internet storage options, and other cloud-based applications. When he is not sinking shots and calling pockets, Demetrius can usually be found reading various tech and business blogs at his laptop.