Bring Your Own Device To Work

Want to save on IT costs while keeping up to date with technology and improving employee satisfaction? Bring your own device (BYOD) is a growing trend which enables workers to bring their favorite IT bling to work and provides a plethora of benefits and savings for the small business owner.

Cloud technology allows you to access your company applications, emails and data from any PC, laptop, tablet or Smartphone, through the Internet. This means that your employees can access their work applications anywhere, any time. Since employees often utilize their personal devices to access cloud-stored applications and data offsite, allowing them to bring these devices to the office is a natural progression.

The cloud technology provides a 'server in the sky' which employees can access through their device of choice. Because your work applications are stored on a virtual platform, they will run on almost any IT device. Accessing applications online negates the need to load them onto each device, saving you time and money on IT support. Centralizing software and accounting systems on your cloud provider is augmented by automated upgrades backups, antivirus applications with around-the-clock tech support.

Implementing BYOD policies provide several benefits for the small business owner:

*Massive savings on IT support
*Hardware costs and maintenance are shifted to the employee
*Improves employee satisfaction as they are using the device and technology that suits them best
*BYO Devices are generally more cutting edge and come with their own operating systems so your small business benefits from the latest developments in hardware and software

Although some businesses choose to offer employees a stipend to purchase their devices of choice, most employees already own their own smart phones, tablets or laptops. Allowing employees to use their own technology gives them access to platforms which are far more familiar and comfortable, thus improving employee satisfaction in a truly win/win situation.

1 000 IBM employees were BYOD enabled last year, with secure access granted to their Smartphones and tablets. IBM hopes to link up another 1 000 employees in 2012 in a move that they hope will save up to 20% on costs relating to IT support. IBM management software is used to secure information through the use of passwords and VPNs.

This cash cow of mutual benefit does have a cautionary tale however. A clear security policy must be in place before implementing a BYOD program. Employees need to be cognizant of the policies surrounding sensitive materials so that they can keep them secure when they are not at work. Defining appropriate use of devices is also trickier when they belong to the employee. However, once the security issues have been addressed, the BYOD trend could presage lower costs and greater employee satisfaction for the small business owner.