I find it interesting how all the hype around IT consumerization, or BYOD (bring your own device) continues on. What is most interesting is no one addresses the support and ownership of the device.
If Sally wants to bring her iPad into work to use for a PowerPoint presentation, and she can not get it to connect to the network, finds it difficult to put the family photo folders aside, is that IT's problem? Sally owns the device, wants to use the device for work - should she not support the device and have the knowledge to troubleshoot the device? If she can't get her personal device to work, should she go to Best Buy or Fred's computer service and pay for it? How far should IT have to go? Should the company provide free IT support for non-company owned devices?
Many IT shops are not prepared for the bring you own device challenges, and they are not handling it well. Management is buying or listening to some of the nuts out there that say we have to do this. Really? Since when do you have to do it? Should the employee come to work with the expectation that the company will support or fix their personal devices? I don't think so. You own it, you want to use it, you support it. If you don't have the knowledge or the desire to learn, then you find a resource to pay to do the support. If you can't afford it, and don't learn the support - then use the company provided devices.
Keep in mind, you need to address the software license issues with your personal device. If you load software on your personal device, you better own it. More so, if you are using it for work, and it is not a legal copy, you put the company at risk as much as yourself. Your device, your responsibility.
One more thing, backup of the personal device is your responsibility. Get a cloud based backup service for your devices, and backup regularly. It is not the IT teams responsibility to do your backups and data protection.
So, are you really ready to bring your own device to work? You really understand wireless? Troubleshoot applications? Take some computer classes, and learn more about the device you want to bring to work. This is one area the IT shops can step up, and offer some lunch 'n' learns and night classes on basic computer troubleshooting and configuration. Employees need to have the expectations clearly set up front, in writing and have them sign on the support, security and confidentiality agreement of a BYOD program.
Not all consumer based computer devices are fit for work. They are not intended for work or the enterprise.
Keep it positive!
Scott Arnett
scott.arnett@charter.net
About Me
- Scott Arnett
- Scott Arnett is an Information Technology & Security Professional Executive with over 30 years experience in IT. Scott has worked in various industries such as health care, insurance, manufacturing, broadcast, printing, and consulting and in enterprises ranging in size from $50M to $20B in revenue. Scott’s experience encompasses the following areas of specialization: Leadership, Strategy, Architecture, Business Partnership & Acumen, Process Management, Infrastructure and Security. With his broad understanding of technology and his ability to communicate successfully with both Executives and Technical Specialists, Scott has been consistently recognized as someone who not only can "Connect the Dots", but who can also create a workable solution. Scott is equally comfortable playing technical, project management/leadership and organizational leadership roles through experience gained throughout his career. Scott has previously acted in the role of CIO, CTO, and VP of IT, successfully built 9 data centers across the country, and is expert in understanding ITIL, PCI Compliance, SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, FRCP and COBIT.
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