Technology changes quickly, and it’s clear that companies that can take the lead in adopting technology that can allow for innovation in services or products will have a good chance of making gains in a respective industry. Cloud computing is one such advancement that is poised to change the way companies develop IT solutions. One of the large benefits of the cloud is that it can be fully integrated across a variety of platforms, including laptops, tablets and smartphones, and can allow instant access to shared documents from any location.
BYOD
Many entities are implementing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies that allow access to company apps and data on users’ personal devices. This solution saves companies money on purchasing individual devices for employees, allowing instead for a network that supports many types of platforms. The desired mobility is still available, but individual users may be subject to data breaches or malicious spyware that could exist on devices.
HYOD
Data security is of high concern, and smartphone access may be a critical weak point that companies should address in security planning. Some firms are seeking stricter control, and are moving away from BYOD, opting instead for here’s-your-own-device (HYOD) programs. Companies can offer standardized mobile devices to users, and can control what access and content is available through the support of a cloud environment. Firms would be able to better monitor security and ensure that unauthorized users are denied access to sensitive documents.
Mobile access
Allowing employees to have access to cloud documents can improve productivity, because access would be available anywhere internet accessible. This is critical for employees representing firms in the field, and may be of use for companies that have several remote locations. Linking access through the cloud will allow for improvements in communication and a greater consistency of analysis across sites.
At the same time, possible security glitches can occur with mobile access, and as such, effective risk management should be considered, whether BYOD or HYOD is implemented. Companies should ensure that consumer privacy is protected and that all data remains compliant when it comes to mobile access. Companies can adjust to new technologies, and might consider consulting with list management services to ensure that data is protected, and effective strategies for email list scrubbing are in place to help prevent the receipt of malware or other software that might compromise mobile data.