Mobility and mobile applications in the workplace are being driven by a number of important trends including: a wide range of mobile applications, consumerization of IT and adoption of smart phones and tablets in the workplace.  Research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts Worldwide Tablet Shipments to Surpass Portable PC Shipments in 2013, Total PC Shipments in 2015.   Is your business ready to manage mobility in the workplace?  Below are some important factors to consider about Mobility.

Secure Mobility

Your network security is only as strong as your weakest point.  Having mobile devices connected to your company network is fine, as long as they are secure.  These devices are increasingly targets of cyber threats like malware and virus infection.  What’s more, these mobile devices are easy targets if lost or stolen.  To protect your corporate applications and data make sure your mobile devices have mobile antivirus protection. Require employees to report lost or stolen mobile devices immediately.

Fast Mobility

Allowing employees to use their personal mobile devices for work is commonly referred to as a Bring Your Own Device Policy.  Make sure your wireless network (WiFi) has sufficient bandwidth and range so your employees have fast access to mobile applications including email, corporate applications and data.  This will ensure your employees are productive and happy at work.

Mobile Applications

Mobility is a top IT trend so many software publishers offer mobile extensions to their applications.  Email, customer service, calendars and scheduling applications make it easy for employees to stay on top of their tasks when away from their desks.  Other mobile applications including: visitor sign in, customer loyalty applications and even credit card processing, all which  can replace paper based and other manual processes within a business.

IT Consumerization and Mobility

Adoption of mobility for personal use has made it easy for non technical users to download, install and configure a wide range of mobile applications.  As mobile apps become popular in the workplace, it can be easy for employees to connect apps to corporate data.  If unauthorized, this method of deployment is known as Rogue IT.  Through written policies, procedures and education you can reduce the amount of Rogue IT in your company.

By developing a mobility strategy for your business you can manage the risks of mobility in the workplace and empower your employees to work anywhere.  With proper planning, you can migrate to mobility and take advantage of this important IT trend.

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