New study highlights successful mobile device management strategy

Friday, September 30, 2011

The proliferation of smartphones and tablets among employees has made it crucial for companies to establish a mobile device management strategy to protect themselves from security risks.

According to a recent Forrester Research study acquired by Network World, there are several ways companies can improve their mobile management policy. Since there is no standard policy that can meet the needs of all mobile workers, organizations must be prepared to offer several levels of support.

Forrester also said companies should gauge which employees will be bringing tablets and smartphones into the workplace. By doing so, IT adminstrators wil be able to identify employee preferences and decide which devices can be used for specific job functions, according to Network World. Organizations must also identify which mobile platforms have limitations and establish greater support in this area.

Since many mobile operating systems offer their own application marketplace, IT suppliers should offer apps suited to the enterprise. Forrester believes companies need to offer virtualization solutions to allow access to Windows applications and other devices, according to Network World.

Also, companies are encouraged to establish a clear-cut policy for corporate and employee-owned devices. This policy should include usage statements and security requirements, according to the report.

If more employees bring their own mobile devices into the workplace, companies can reduce their management costs. According to Forrester, companies should provide reimbursements to workers who bring their own products to work.

A recent InformationWeek report also highlighted the importance of a successful mobile device management policy. According to the news provider's Michael Belak, companies should identify which devices can be permitted in the workplace and establish an infrastructure capable of supporting both corporate and employee data.