As 2015 begins, companies are still debating how and when to address the whole area of mobility. Most top-level managers/CIOs have discussed the issues of security and mobile device management (which includes smartphones and tablets); still most do not have a comprehensive mobile strategy or solution in place. Even with the rising number of data breaches and cyber-security attacks seen in 2014, many companies are “walking around naked” when it comes to mobile protection. That said, here are the five trends we think you can expect to see in the coming year.
Prediction #1 – Move over MDM, say hello to EMM.
In recent years, Mobile Device Management (MDM) has been the buzzword in the mobile security space. However, companies like AirWatch, Maas360 and MobileIron have shifted the focus of mobile device management to managing specific areas of the mobile environment such as email, applications, content, browsing, data access and more. This expanded ability of management, control and security is referred to as Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM). The updated term reflects what more and more companies want — the ability to have granular control in a very diverse mobile ecosystem.
Prediction #2 – Customers and compliance will force mobile security.
Whether it’s an SOC audit, industry regulation or premier client, companies are being asked about mobile security, policies and procedures by key stakeholders. Large enterprises understand that their vendors and service providers have access to sensitive information, and can be a source of cyber-security attack or breach at any time. Many companies will deploy EMM this year to meet the requirements imposed by others outside their organization.
Prediction #3 – BYOD continues to be a top concern of IT and security professionals.
More and more employees (84%) are using their personally owned mobile devices for work-related activities. Additionally, many are now carrying a smartphone and tablet; therefore the number of devices containing data important to your organization continues to grow. (Plus, each year there is an increasing number of mobile devices lost, stolen and misplaced!)
Prediction #4 – Wireless data usage and costs will be a concern.
With our lives becoming more mobile and the number of devices increasing, everyone is consuming more data. Companies that pay for wireless data are seeing their data bills increase and the complexity of those bills grow. More organizations will turn to software tools, such as Wireless Expense Management resources, to help manage and reduce associated costs.
Prediction #5 – Mobile strategy will take the lead.
Top management is witnessing the impact of mobility on their organizations and will start including “mobile strategy” as part of their business plans. For several industries, mobility is a way of life and is critical to the success and growth of the organization. Developing and implementing a comprehensive mobile strategy will help companies integrate mobile technology with other existing technology to provide a robust way for employees to get their jobs done.
If you have questions about any of these predictions, we would be happy to discuss or debate the ideas. Happy 2015!
Phil Poje | CEO, TechOrchard
A serial entrepreneur with more than 30 years of executive leadership and ownership experience, Phil has a unique understanding of the challenges that exist within the rapidly growing technology sector. Contact him directly at phil@techorchard.com to discuss innovative ways for overcoming those challenges and propelling your organization to new levels of success.
