PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL BYOD IMPLEMENTATION
You've probably heard a lot of talk about "bring your own device" or BYOD, but did you know that you need to plan and prepare for a successful implementation? To be effective, BYOD solutions must consider workers' habits and preferences while also maintaining regulations around acceptable apps, device security, and device practices in the workplace. Therefore, you should let an IT consultant help you plan for BYOD to ensure a successful implementation.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF BYOD
Since IT staff need to support employee devices, they take on an additional burden when switching. Furthermore, employees may need to troubleshoot unfamiliar devices, especially if you don’t set a limit on what devices the workplace supports. Allowing all sorts of personal devices in the workplace ultimately increases the risk if someone loses a device, or if it gets stolen or hacked—particularly when you don’t enforce security policies.
WHAT A STRONG BYOD POLICY SHOULD INCLUDE
A practical and fair BYOD policy should clearly define what devices your enterprise allows and supports. In addition, it should outline what specific measures staff must take to protect business assets, what happens when employees leave the workplace, and under what circumstances IT can remotely wipe devices.
Moreover, the policy should explain whether employees can receive full or partial reimbursement for purchasing a device, since not all employees may own a smartphone or tablet. If your workplace requires dedicated software to support work functions, the BYOD policy should also determine whether the individual employee or the company pays for the software.
THE BENEFITS OF A POLICY-FIRST APPROACH
There are many advantages to adopting a BYOD initiative. By putting policy first, you ensure a smooth rollout and help secure staff buy-in from the beginning.
GET EXPERT HELP WITH BYOD
To explore how a consultant can help you successfully implement BYOD policies in your workplace or to discuss other aspects of BYOD contact us today.
