As digital technology has progressively evolved over the past 20 years, so too has the workplace infrastructure. From in house servers, to virtual servers, to mobile devices, business is blurring the line of separation between work and personal life. This is showing to not necessarily be a bad thing. One illustration of this, is the evolution of BYOD policies and virtual desktop infrastructures, or VDI.
The BYOD policy allows employees to bring their own mobile devices into the workplace. Devices can then be used to securely access company information and applications via a virtual desktop infrastructure. BYOD first began in 2009, when Intel found that employees were already bringing their devices to work, and so they decided to implement the initiative. Since then, the number of companies following suit has increased immensely. The benefits of this new policy includes reliable data back up, cost savings, expanded mobility, improved employee satisfaction and increased productivity. Read on to learn more about how businesses are already experiencing these benefits.
Data Back Up
In the past, losing important documents could be detrimental to business. If an in-house server crashed, it was a huge problem. Additionally, lost devices could compromise confidential information. However now, all data can be stored virtually, so the device just becomes an interchangeable portal to access the information. Devices can be disabled remotely if lost, and replaced to regain access to the network.
Cost Savings
There are cost savings in regards to devices, as well as the business at large. For one, virtual desktop technology makes the enterprise environment, and capabilities, available for smaller businesses, without them having to procure their own environment. Second, the employees already own the equipment that they are bringing to the workplace, which saves on the cost of phones purchased by business owners for employees.
Mobile Access to Agency Data
With BYOD and VDI, employees can securely access and interact with company data anywhere they have an internet connection and device. This helps them be highly mobile, but also highly connected. No matter where they are in the world, they will be able to get work done and stay in communication.
Improve Employee Satisfaction
Employees are showing an improved level of satisfaction because they can use their own equipment to access work data and they see their company as being progressive for allowing them to do so. Employees are also often more comfortable using their own equipment, because they are familiar with its functions and operations.
Increase Productivity
One of the biggest advantages to BYOD, is the fact that it increases productivity greatly. While employees are happier because they can use their personal device that they are comfortable with, they are also more productive when using it. Device training by IT teams is also generally eliminated. In fact, one study found that 82% of employees believe smartphones play an important role in business, and by using their own devices, they admitted their productivity has increased.
Overall several companies are already taking advantage of technology advancements that allow their company to cut costs, improve communication, provide needed security and keep their employees happy. Implementing a BYOD policy and VDI looks to be the future for productive and efficient business environments.
