Common benefits associated with a BYOD scheme
BYOD is an abbreviation of: bring your own device and involves employees using their own personal devices in the workplace. These devices can include laptops, smartphones and tablets which are configured for use in both the home and the office. An employee can still use the device for personal pleasure but it is also possible to use it to complete tasks for work; providing that security is maintained and specific guidelines adhered to, the overlap between personal and work usage should not cause problems if IT security from Dell is implemented.
Over the past few years, the popularity of BYOD schemes has risen dramatically. For example, if an employee owns a personal BYOD it means that they can complete both personal and work tasks on the very same device. This is a huge attraction for both the employer and employee.
BYOD reduces IT costs
Whilst some companies do purchase devices such as smartphones and tablets for their employees, the main premise of a BYOD scheme is for employees to use their own. If this is the case, employers can significantly reduce their IT costs. They no longer have to purchase IT equipment, repair faults and maintain the equipment.
A bring your own device scheme places all of this responsibility on the owner of the device; the employee. However, employees also receive many benefits – they can use a single device for both personal and work-related tasks, thus removing the need to carry two different devices. Additionally, employees benefit from improved levels of trust and freedom in the workplace.
An increase in productivity
Reports suggest that the companies that have implemented a BYOD scheme have experienced surges in productivity. A device that can be taken away from the workplace allows work-related tasks to be completed 24 hours a day; regardless of location, it may be possible to complete important work tasks. If an employee is not able to attend work for any reason, their own personal device will also allow them to work from home. Work-related e-mails can be accessed at all times which essentially mean that employees are on call at all times of the day.
I'm not a fan. I currently have an iPhone paid for by my employer because I'm in rotation for 24/7 tech support. It's great that I can save on personal mobile bills, but at the cost of giving my employer the right to monitor my voice calls, SMS messages, etc if they have "reason" to. I doubt they would under normal circumstances, but they make it clear that they could. Also, I don't like the idea that work-related software could mess up my device. And I don't like the idea of handing over my device to the IT folks at work when I have personal information on the device. Also, mixing both personal and business contacts can be a recipe for disaster, should you get some kind of malicious software or virus.