The impact of mobile technologies has deepened over the past decade. It’s impossible to turn back the clock and return to a simpler time. While mobile technologies certainly present challenges to managers and IT staff, their benefits outweigh the difficulties. That being said, there are ways to implement mobile technologies which will cause more headaches. And, there are ways to deploy mobile technologies which are practical and reduce headaches and stress for all involved.
Use Appropriate Tools
There are three approaches to adopting mobile technologies. We’ve already touched on the first one: pretending they don’t exist. Obviously, that’s not a good approach, and we’re not going to discuss it further.
The second approach is to embrace it head on and to immediately purchase the latest and greatest mobile devices. This method also has its drawbacks. The latest and greatest mobile technologies offer a number of advantages, but what if they’re not right for your business? Your employees need specific tools to be productive. Research employee requirements, then match those requirements to what devices and products are on the market. Yes, research involves time and effort, but it’s better to get the right tools in the long run.
Choose the Right Apps
Mobile applications are software programs for mobile devices. They enable users to run the same programs they use on their PC or Mac. App developers are constantly releasing new applications or updated versions of apps.
If you’ve checked out Google or Apple’s app stores lately, you know there is a dizzying array of applications from which to choose. Your employees have most likely figured out which apps they prefer. However, that doesn’t mean those applications are suitable for the enterprise. They might not be secure or they might not be compatible with other solutions. Again, you’ll need to research which apps are best to help your employees stay productive and connected. A mobile device management solution allows you to whitelist approved apps and blacklist those which don’t make the cut.
Find an Effective Way to Deal with Operating Systems and Devices
Unfortunately for companies, there isn’t just one mobile device and operating system out there. Instead, there is a variety from which to choose. And some are more appropriate for the enterprise than others because they possess more security and collaboration features.
How does a business cope with the assortment of mobile devices and operating systems? Decision makers could simply throw up their hands and tell their employees to bring whatever they want to work, leaving IT departments to handle the challenge of supporting a diverse collection of operating systems and devices. Or, they could research which devices and operating systems are the most suitable for the enterprise and create a list of what the IT department can support. This method still gives employees the freedom to choose while reducing the complexity for the IT department. And yes, it requires time and effort. In the long run, the investment is worth it.
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