The number of smartphone users in the world is close to 2.7 billion, and that number is continuing to climb. However, when you compare the number of smartphones in use at any given time, the number is closer to 10 billion. The difference? The number of men and women who have more than one device, such as for work and the other for personal use. Using the nifty app features on most smartphones has made it easier for many people to stay connected to their family, their friends, and their job. Tools like the Ooma cloud phone system make it easier for all your employees to stay connected with items of work, even the ones that are not geographically removed from your company’s headquarters. Employees at all levels through the company are turning to their personal phones or devices to help with business tasks. So much so that the trend has been dubbed “BYOD” or bring your own device. Connecting your employees to work through cloud-based systems can have everyone working on the same page while in separate locations and among a variety of devices. The right app can give your employees the power to control voicemail, permissions, document transfers, e-signatures, and more.
The Battle for Control
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Small business owners are pressured to remain in control of their companies at all times, and the only real way this can happen is to move from a premise-based operating system to a mobile system. Using the power of the Cloud can connect more than just employees, management, clients, and vendor through email. Tapping into an app that is linked to the desktop version that is on your office computer gives the same functionality from the road that would occur if you were behind the desk. However, there are concerns by IT managers and risk management advisors that mobile device usage, when done through a personal and not company-provided device, can bring certain exposures or risks that aren’t easily spotted or prevented. Safeguarding mobile devices and company data by making users comply with organizational-specific IT policies is a new aspect of management that is being explored.
Mobile Device Management
New software protocols designed to place and enforcement management controls on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets that are used in business operations are called mobile device management systems (MDM). The early uses of MDM were premise-based, with servers and the management console elements been kept on-site with the company or IT administration partner. The newest developments are systems that use cloud-based connections and storage to manage the devices. A primary advantage of using a cloud-based MDM is the ability of employees to register their devices, then secure and manage them without needing to visit the IT department. The systems have easy-to-operate Web interfaces that will automate the most important management tasks.
However, making the decision to switch to a cloud-based MDM rather than an on-premise isn’t always so simple. The IT manager has to decide how much control the company needs to maintain its MDM infrastructure and weigh those arguments against the advantages and benefits of using a cloud-based MDM. When you choose a cloud-based mobile management system, you are able to get set up and running in a matter of hours. There isn’t a need for physical infrastructure and reprogramming to be installed. There are also simple requirements for and MDM systems. You can set encryption settings, device passcode requirements, and the basics of application management.
Implementing a cloud-based MDM is a cost-efficient way to ensure your employees are complying with the policies and security measures of your company. You can say goodbye to the hardware and pressure of on-site management and let the cloud work for you.
Raj Kumar is a qualified business/finance writer expert in investment, debt, credit cards, Passive income, financial updates. He advises in his blog finance clap.
