Cloud computing is creating vast opportunities for mobile apps development for the mobile workforce. How are businesses responding to this?
Digital technologies, mobile devices, and services available on 24/7 have changed the work culture of yesteryear’s. Customers are mobile and want services on their devices. Therefore, employees in organizations are also mobile. They need access to business applications at any place in their devices like laptops, tablets, and phones provided by the company.
The Widening Network
Look at the network. Massive adoption of cloud computing optimized technologies like Big Data and Internet of Things. On the heels of these technologies, mobile workforce became an indispensable part of the companies. We have entered the era of the mobile workforce. Mobile workforce finds it comfortable to work with their handheld devices to provide services anywhere, anytime and ensure the business continuity. Increasingly, employees need access to business applications, any place and at any time they need to conduct business.
Companies want to connect with customers, executives, and supply chain to increase the productivity, enhance operational efficiency, build a loyal clientele and increase bottom line profits. If the work has to be done in time, it is only possible with the devices. As businesses assign tasks to their executives on mobile, executives work on their mobile to finish the task. Hence, businesses are at an advantage. Mobility is being embraced by all stakeholders. But at the same time mobile workforce poses security threats that call for robust mobile device management.
It is in this context mobile device management (MDM) or CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) comes into the picture. This encompasses functions like: software distribution, security management, service management, inventory management, and policy management for mobile workforce. Moreover, this is to secure, monitor, and support devices that involve remote distribution of applications.
Managing Devices
Hand held device security is vital for businesses who allow their workforce BYOD. In case employees turn hostile or devices are hacked, stolen or lost, MDM allows users to lock the devices or erase sensitive data from the device remotely.
MDM is the key to manage mobile apps that are on each device. With CYOD technologies, enterprises can deploy, manage, and block unfriendly applications on devices reducing data misuse risks. When it comes to tracking, COPE (Company Issued Personally Enabled) can report, call logs, incoming and outgoing messages. BYOD providers provide new networks, applications and tech support for corporate hand held devices. Aspiring enterprises should review the service provider’s compliance to security and privacy policies. If the mobile workforce is using personal devices to do corporate jobs, there is a need to split corporate from personal data in specific containers. This is known as containerization. When the device is stolen, managers can lock and delete those containers remotely. The advantage here is personal data is not affected when corporate data is deleted.
How Organizations Respond to MDM?
Thanks to cloud computing, COPE is here to stay to the point of no return. There is no denying the fact that mobile workforce needs access to corporate data. Hand held devices are getting over populated with evolving technologies and manufacturers producing more such devices. It is creating opportunities for IT vendors. According to Markets and Markets Research, by 2019 MDM market will reach $3.94 billion. Businesses need BYOD. They should have a robust MDM administration in place by integrating services like mobile apps development and analytics solutions. Standard IT vendors are vying to give secure solutions to BYOD where workforce and organizations are mutually benefited, leading to a win-win situation. It is upon businesses to identify the best solutions.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sud_Gover/2254163