Dec 18, 2014

Mobile devices are becoming more commonplace within businesses across a variety of sectors. Although there are still some concerns over security and privacy, many organizations are showing more support for mobile and are incorporating apps like mobile file sharing as a result. While the benefits that can be realized from using these programs has been well demonstrated, some companies are more slow on their uptake due to the need to abide by vertical regulations and employee needs. As people become more reliant on their devices for everyday tasks, decision-makers must consider how to leverage this technology in the workplace for competitive advantages.

A majority of the workforce has hardware that they use for their job, whether it’s provided by the employer or the employees utilize their own the equipment. Mobile devices are adding more remote opportunities for employees, as seen by the fact that on an average business day, 30 to 40 percent ofoffices are vacant at any given moment, according to Deloitte research. While the office once used to be the hub of efficiency, 39 percent of employees are actually more productive due to the more flexible options. While this is a considerable benefit from offering mobile work, 60 percent of companies are still not taking advantage of this trend. By incorporating a secure file sharing platform, organizations can provide the functionality that staff require without compromising sensitive data, making mobile efforts more viable for business.

“Offering these employees the chance to shorten or even eradicate their commute is more attractive than simply offering them high salaries,” TechRadar contributor Tim Stone wrote. “Generation Y are also more likely to stay in a job if they have greater flexibility over where and how much they work.”

The right way to deploy mobile initiatives
With any project, companies have their own way of researching and integrating their solutions. However, with bring your own device and online file sharing, it’s not simply a plug-and-play solution; it will require a lot of planning and work to regulate. Tech Cocktail noted that BYOD will necessitate user training, addressing security worries, mitigating potential distractions and ensuring that the solution fits the business’s unique needs. By following through with these elements, organizations will be able to reap cost savings and see more overall productivity. With these benefits, it’s important to get a BYOD deployment right the first time and ensure that stakeholders get the results they expect.

Although BYOD essentially has a similar meaning among businesses, there are many different approaches to get to the final goal. Decision-makers need to fully consider each of their options and determine which makes the most sense for their demands and available resources. Doing so will leave room for innovation and ensure that the organization has the opportunity for further growth.

“What your program addresses largely depends on the type of business you have, your overall business goals, the expertise of your IT department, available resources and any number of other factors,” Tech Cocktail stated. “It can become a complicated endeavor, but don’t feel like you need to follow every step of a pattern set by other companies.”