Bring Your Own Device capability tops employee wish lists

A new generation of tech savvy workers is ushering in the evolution of the desktop to allow for BYOD to become commonplace among companies. Bring your own device is the growing trend among employees looking to gain access to their workplace networks on their own devices, as they look to use their personal laptops and tablets at their desk, through the use of a virtual desktop infrastructure.

Andy Chrismas, Node4 Cloud Sales Manager said, “The new generation is demanding a dual persona for both their devices and desktops, with the ability to access workplace documents and perform all of the workplace tasks, while in an instant gaining access to personal files and photos and social media material.

“Recent technological advancements such as VMWare’s Horizon Suite are unlocking the ability for mobile devices to gain access to all of the workplace applications, enabling the transfer from workplace desktop to personal device seamlessly. New entrants to the workplace are now accustomed to the ‘always on, always connected’ style of work and therefore need platforms that facilitate that much easier. This style of working, and indeed the technology that enables it to be carried out, are becoming a standard workplace option that forward thinking companies can’t afford to ignore. Workers require flexibility and BYOD as a part of providing that.”

This BYOD phenomenon is facilitated by the cloud, a platform now being widely adopted in business. As mobility and 24 hour accessibility become increasingly important in business, the cloud and BYOD are an inevitable part of business practice development.

However, BYOD can exacerbate existing problems that may be in place. Andy continued, “I have heard BYOD referred to as Bring Your Own Disaster! The problem is that many companies are buying one size fits all cloud systems, without fully understanding the capabilities and specificities of the cloud.”

Security is one of the major issues concerning those dealing with an increased desire for BYOD accessibility, particularly the management of data and risks of unknown third party access via mobile apps and transferring data via consumer based solutions with no policies or understanding where your corporate data is. However, these can easily be avoided through a conscientious approach that acknowledges the value of data to a company and puts in the adequate safeguards. According to Node4, companies need a supported transfer onto the cloud and onto BYOD access to avoid such solutions being taken on before an IT system is sufficiently compatible.

Andy continued “Node4 make a consultation period a requirement before installing cloud for a company. We need to make sure that the cloud environment we install for them enhances their business and helps them grow. Our tailored systems allow the ease of transition that will see work transfer fluidly between personal devices and workplace devices, facilitating the adoption of BYOD and allowing advancements to drive growth.”