How to Unlock the Business Potential of Your Mobile Devices

It is abundantly clear that mobile devices are becoming an increasingly central part of everyday life. In fact, mobile traffic is set to overtake PC traffic in volume towards the start of 2014. In the work place and business environment, this seemingly unstoppable trend has meant that mobile use, once deemed undesirable during work hours, has become a mainstream business tool.
The business advantages of extended mobile use are there for all to see. If your company is able to drive revenue via mobile use, then there is enormous potential waiting to be tapped.  To illustrate the point, Google estimates that 88% of consumers searching for a local business or service with a mobile device will call or visit within the following 24 hours.
However, even if your business cannot generate actual revenue via mobile use, there are still significant business advantages to effective corporate mobile use. After all, easy access to data, communication and systems means that mobile devices help business get jobs done more quickly and usually more efficiently. In fact, mobile devices can streamline your business’ working practice to the extent that a virtual desktop can be created for smart phones and tablets. There are plenty of excellent providers, such as Ericom.com, which gives high-speed accelerated remote desktop access to mobile users. As a result, staff can effectively carry their desktop in their pockets. In addition, businesses are set to save money with the cost of a remote desktop solution likely to be cheaper than constantly purchasing software licenses for new machines and devices.
However, there is also a risk to businesses adopting BYOD (bring your own device) technology. For a start, mobile devices are much easier to misplace than a laptop, posing a security risk each time a smart phone is lost. Most workers are also keen to synchronize their personal mobile devices with work systems. This leaves businesses potentially relinquishing security control with each personal mobile phone providing full access to corporate systems and files. The potential of malware infection via hand held devices for example, can be significant.
As a result, a corporate mobile policy, including security measures must be put firmly in place. It is worth integrating encryption, authentication codes, configuring VPN settings and possibly blocking specific apps in order to protect the company’s security integrity. It is certainly possible to strike a balance between security protocols and mobile-driven gains.
Whether your company is intent on increasing efficiency, productivity or generating revenue growth through mobile use, a sensible mobile policy can help you to reap the full benefits of the mobile revolution.