Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has disrupted the workplace to such an extent that it’s now a beloved practice at many forward-thinking organizations.
BYOD refers to the practice of allowing employees to use their own devices (laptops, smartphones and tablets) in a work environment. Although BYOD was initially met with concern due to the security risks of connecting diverse, random devices to corporate networks, the practice is now better understood and regulated by IT departments. Skepticism has dissipated, as businesses now understand how BYOD benefits productivity and remote working.
Those benefits are now being extended with the advent of mobile voice over internet protocol applications, or mobile VoIP apps. Mobile VoIP refers to the use of mobile devices integrated with an existing VoIP network using mobile applications, typically via a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G cellular network. In most cases, device owners need to download software to make VoIP calls from their phone. Some of the most popular mobile VoIP apps include Skype and Slack, though most service providers have their own products too.
These days, mobile VoIP call quality is as good as standard telephone calls; the primary difference is that it’s delivered via the internet rather than on a traditional phone network. Because of this, mobile VoIP is often much more affordable, allowing smaller companies to quickly benefit from a significant boost in employee productivity, as well.
Mobile VoIP apps are only as good as the connection that links it to the network, but luckily today there’s barely a place inside or out where we can’t get online with a strong connection. As a result, employees can stay more connected for longer as they’re able to carry out work from anywhere. Another advantage is that many employees see Mobile VoIP and BYOD as a perk, because it makes their own working life more convenient and flexible to the demands of their personal life. In some cases, it may even boost morale as employees are usually more comfortable working with their own devices.
A recent survey from Cisco Systems highlights how remotely connected employees can devote more minutes to work-related tasks each day. It found that the average BYOD user across countries saves 37 minutes per week thanks to using his or her own device, with a high of 81 minutes per week in the United States. Even a few minutes, especially for companies with larger work forces, can quickly add up to hours of extra productivity.
Still, security remains paramount for any organization. Before giving employees the green light to access corporate data, a full risk assessment is recommended to protect against threats. Policies should also be implemented to authenticate each device that’s allowed to connect to the network. Xpert Technologies can ensure your Wi-Fi is secure and accessible to authorized persons only. We can also evaluate other appropriate risk management options, including anti-malware, data encryption, passcodes, remote wipe and sandboxing to ensure your data is tightly secured.
With mobile VoIP and BYOD, companies are giving employees exactly what they want; and in return, they benefit from satisfied staff who are more productive and interactive than before. The advent of BYOD and mobile VoIP is a natural progression in a world that’s already moving entirely into the cloud. Instead of sounding the alarm, it’s time to embrace mobility and maximize its benefits. When it comes to better productivity and margins, mobile VoIP and BYOD are clear winners.
If you’re interested in exploring how mVoIP and BYOD can change how your business works, contact us and let us know how you’d like to connect.