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Archives for: June 2014

There was just one post published in June 2014.

How a BYOD Policy Frees Up IT Resources

More and more electronic devices are being integrated into the workforce. Whereas only the most elite business people owned smartphones in the early 2000s, nearly everyone has one in their pocket now. Accordingly to Business Insider Intelligence, 22 percent of the world’s population owns a smartphone, that’s nearly 1.4 billion smartphones, and the number is only growing. Those who don’t, usually have some kind of impassioned plea about resisting technology.

So with the abundance of smartphones and tablets, many corporations are starting to wonder why they should spend time and money on issuing company devices. With a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, companies can conserve an enormous amount of resources, which is why the trend is taking corporate America by storm.

What is a BYOD policy?

A BYOD policy allows workers to use their own personal smartphones, tablets and other tech gadgets for company use. While this method of doing business was previously shunned by IT professionals who had concerns about device security, the latest advancements in technology are quickly making BYOD programs the norm. Mobile communications leader BlackBerry has been offering BYOD programs for years, and now there are even more providers getting involved in the latest trend.

Although a BYOD policy is an added bonus for workers who don’t want the hassle of learning a new device, but here are a few ways it is an even bigger win for companies.

It’s a Money Saver

It’s no question that supplying smartphones, tablets and laptops to employees can add up quickly, and the cost for repairs and replacements can be relentless. Companies that allow workers to bring their own device eliminate this exorbitant cost, which automatically helps their bottom line, and frees up resources to be spent on other important IT items.

Though some companies do offer a stipend to individuals who use their own devices, the amount pales in comparison to what would be spent if employers were supplying the devices and their accessories. In addition, according to Good Technology, nearly 50 percent of companies who implemented BYOD are requiring employees to cover all costs, and the workers are going for it. It seems the convenience of using your own familiar tools has substantial worth.

Productivity Increases

It’s a fact of office life, there are precious minutes spent in boring trainings and meetings that we can never get back. With a BYOD policy, however, fewer minutes are spent on such things by IT professionals and new employees. By allowing workers to bring their own devices, companies eliminate the need for training sessions. Rather than host a training session every time there is a new hire, which can be often for large businesses, IT workers can simply send an email with instructions on which apps and programs to download and let the employees take it from there. This frees up time for the new employee to get to work, and gives IT additional time to spend on more important tasks.

Less Time on Repairs, More Time on Product Development

Though every company would love to outfit their employees with the very latest tech gadgets, it usually isn’t in the budget. Individuals, however, are more likely to have the latest versions of devices and software for their personal use. This means fewer complications, generally faster networks and the ability to take advantage of the latest apps and programs.

With a fleet of relatively newer models, IT will spend less time trying to repair items and more time researching and implementing the cutting-edge technology that companies need to thrive, and then passing it on to their employees.

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