BYOD

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Model for Enterprise Mobility

Introduction

Enterprise mobility is about providing swift information access to employees on the move. In order to cater to the fundamental changes in the working environment, wherein more and more individuals are opting to work virtually, organizations are providing access to their enterprise applications through mobile devices. Traditionally, companies have armed their mobile workforce with devices such as cell phones and laptops equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. These devices remotely connected to the organization’s network through a secure VPN solution accessing enterprise applications and data.

Enterprise Mobility Evolution and the Emergence of BYOD

Over the years deployment of mobile devices has been on the rise across companies and the traditional concept of company provided devices has given way to the new concept of ‘Bring Your Own Device’, popularly referred as ‘BYOD'.

In the BYOD model employees use their personal mobile devices to connect with their company’s wireless networks, thus enabling them to access data and accomplish their tasks. With rising affiliation of individuals to their latest mobile devices (the likes of smart phones and tablets), harnessed with the power of cutting-edge technologies and applications, BYOD has become a rapidly growing trend in today’s business environment.

BYOD Model - Benefits and Challenges

One of the major benefits cited by the advocates of the BYOD model is the reduction in organization spending on the purchase and support of mobile devices. The tech savvy users of latest mobile devices are usually capable of configuring these devices, the onus of which typically remained with the IT support personnel. Further, the BYOD model empowers the workforce with greater mobility which in effect leads to improved productivity and efficiency at work.

For organizations the appeal of the BYOD model also remains in terms of retaining and attracting high performing and innovative workforce, who usually look for flexibility and often work beyond working hours. In such a scenario, implementing the model can serve as a competitive advantage to companies.

The BYOD model is not without its share of challenges, an imminent challenge an organization faces in the decision making process to implement BYOD is that of data security. Companies adopting the model may not have a total control over the devices and how they are used. In the traditional model, the devices provided by companies came along with agreed upon usability and security guidelines. However, in the BYOD model it is not easy to impose requisite usability standards on devices owned by employees. Another challenge is of data segregation and retrieval, which surfaces when an employee quits the organization or is discharged from his services.

Costs Involved in Rolling Out the BYOD Model

Organizations need to estimate the costs involved in implementing the BYOD model.  A direct implication of providing connectivity to additional devices is the cost of installing network equipment to handle mobile data traffic. Although the issue of data loss can be minimized by using device management software, the company will incur software licensing cost for each mobile device. Moreover, providing access to enterprise applications on multiple devices would mean buying additional licenses.

Implementing the BYOD Model

An organization can follow two approaches to implement the BYOD model:  one involves allowing employees to bring their own devices and the other known as the stipend model, wherein the organization shares the cost of the device which is used by employees to carry out work-related and personal activities.

A key factor in successfully implementing the BYOD model lies in the organization’s ability to put in place well-defined policies and outline the procedures to enforce them. Stringent information security rules should be imposed based on the level of access an employee has to critical organization data.

The BYOD model is transforming the way organizations are devising and implementing their enterprise mobility strategy. Companies across various industries, such as Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Finance, Healthcare and Insurance, are embracing the model. Organizations inclined towards adopting BYOD model must carry out a cost-benefit analysis, as well as take into account security, legal and policy considerations.