Cell phones like iPads can now be found in even the smallest businesses, making it important for IT managers to engage in mobile device management. If employees are not taking their personal mobiles to work (BYOD), employers are providing these devices, creating challenges for IT managers tasked with protecting company networks from unauthorized use. On any given day, IT staff may not know how many or what type of devices are accessing their networks, creating a very dangerous situation.
The Mobile Device Management Challenge
A single employee who unintentionally exposes the company to a network security breach can cripple operations and even incur regulatory penalties. This presents quite a challenge for IT staff, which means it also creates an opportunity for companies that provide a solution. These organizations help businesses manage and secure mobile devices with authorized access to corporate networks. There is much potential in this line of work because the situation will only become more complex as the popularity of smart phones become standard fixtures in the workplace.
IT managers must promote safe use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, whether these are personally owned or company-provided. Otherwise, the security breach or leak could be catastrophic. While some employers originally banned personally owned devices from the workplace, they have quickly realized that this is, at the very least, impractical and in most cases, impossible. The situation is complicated by the fact that many employees use these devices to perform their jobs.
The Mobile Device Management Solution
A new aspect of the IT channel has developed and it is called the mobility management service provider, or MMSP. It encompasses consulting services designed to establish workplace mobile device policies, management, and security. These services help business customers implement a secure platform for all devices mobile that is compliant with data storage, recovery, use, and transmission. Providers of these solutions must harness the opportunities presented by this environment to develop solutions for businesses of all sizes.
These solution providers are not without external resources. The Computing Technology Industry Association, referred to as CompTIA, is lending a helping hand by developing resources and training programs geared toward enterprise-wide accommodation of mobile devices. It has developed an advisory board featuring phone manufacturers, carriers, application developers, and solution providers that will help direct its training initiatives.
However, solution providers should not await a program from CompTIA. They should reach out to businesses, helping them to manage mobile fleets and protect their networks. Through this collaboration, IT managers can develop company policies regarding use of personal cell phones and other smart devices. They can also be convinced to secure these devices or issue devices owned by the company.
Several benefits are realized when paying to make a personal cell phone secure. IT managers protect the employer and provide workers with a value-added benefit. Though time and effort are required to manage mobile devices within the workplace, these are justified. Solution providers providing device management offer the framework required to make the job easier for IT managers who already have too much on their plates.
Gill-Technoligies.com is an industry leader in mobile device management solutions. Our mobile device management services will aid you in keeping your networks secure and your business information safe from intruders. For more information, visit our website today!
