Integrating mobile devices into your small business IT strategy - either because your workforce is decentralized or because your staff needs to work on-the-go - is an emerging challenge for small and medium businesses (SMB). From iPads and iPhones to Chromebooks and Android tablets, the variety of mobile devices available for work or play is great for consumers, but for businesses, the diversity of devices just adds to the mobile access challenge. How does a SMB with limited time and resources ensure mobile access for staff on any variety of devices? How do they ensure the safety of data accessed remotely?
Sound daunting? It doesn't have to be. Here are three steps to help your business get started managing mobile access.
1. Set mobile policy
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's necessary, no matter the size of your business. First, for all employees set guidelines for work hours and locations - this is especially important for hourly or contract employees. Next, the policy should clearly state who is responsible for purchasing equipment--will you be providing a laptop and/or a cell phone or are you operating a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment? In addition, clarify who's responsible for expenses like service plans, internet access, and device repair, or replacement. Outlining these guidelines up front will clearly set expectations and eliminate misunderstandings between management and staff.
2. Create a secure environment
Secure mobile access is a must, but unless you have a large IT department, you should look to third parties for assistance. You can hire an IT contractor to cover initial setup, choosing the right software and hardware, ensuring your network is protected, and verifying that your staff has the necessary security software installed on their devices. Another, possibly more economical, option is to opt for a all-inclusive IT platform that provides mobile access as part of the service package. Using a comprehensive platform provides essential IT functionality plus built-in mobile access for all users for a seamless and low-maintenance solution that gives SMBs the man-power of a large IT department for a fraction of the cost.
3. Choose the right tools
To stay productive wherever they work, employees need access to the right productivity and collaboration software. Microsoft Office's Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications are key for any organization. You can install versions on each device, but buying licenses and managing updates can be expensive and cumbersome. Instead, consider renting Microsoft Office and other essential software via an online platform to reduce up-front costs and ensure mobile access via any device, even Chromebooks. For collaboration, look to cloud-based solutions that offer permissions settings and sync storage so files can be accessed from anywhere.
Starting with these three steps will set your business on the right track for providing comprehensive and secure mobile access that meets the needs of your staff and your business.
Nivio provides an all-in-one solution for mobile offices. Get started today with a 14-day free trial.
Platform features:
- Access Windows, Microsoft Office, and more on any device: Macs, PCs, iPads, Android tablets, Chromebooks, smartphones, and more.
- Pay-as-you-go for Microsoft Office. Rent it by the month and cancel anytime.
- Manage accounts with the administrative control panel.
- Create new desktops, provision software, manage storage and permissions, monitor usage, and run reports.
Sound daunting? It doesn't have to be. Here are three steps to help your business get started managing mobile access.
1. Set mobile policy
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's necessary, no matter the size of your business. First, for all employees set guidelines for work hours and locations - this is especially important for hourly or contract employees. Next, the policy should clearly state who is responsible for purchasing equipment--will you be providing a laptop and/or a cell phone or are you operating a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment? In addition, clarify who's responsible for expenses like service plans, internet access, and device repair, or replacement. Outlining these guidelines up front will clearly set expectations and eliminate misunderstandings between management and staff.
2. Create a secure environment
Secure mobile access is a must, but unless you have a large IT department, you should look to third parties for assistance. You can hire an IT contractor to cover initial setup, choosing the right software and hardware, ensuring your network is protected, and verifying that your staff has the necessary security software installed on their devices. Another, possibly more economical, option is to opt for a all-inclusive IT platform that provides mobile access as part of the service package. Using a comprehensive platform provides essential IT functionality plus built-in mobile access for all users for a seamless and low-maintenance solution that gives SMBs the man-power of a large IT department for a fraction of the cost.
3. Choose the right tools
To stay productive wherever they work, employees need access to the right productivity and collaboration software. Microsoft Office's Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications are key for any organization. You can install versions on each device, but buying licenses and managing updates can be expensive and cumbersome. Instead, consider renting Microsoft Office and other essential software via an online platform to reduce up-front costs and ensure mobile access via any device, even Chromebooks. For collaboration, look to cloud-based solutions that offer permissions settings and sync storage so files can be accessed from anywhere.
Starting with these three steps will set your business on the right track for providing comprehensive and secure mobile access that meets the needs of your staff and your business.
Nivio provides an all-in-one solution for mobile offices. Get started today with a 14-day free trial.
Platform features:
- Access Windows, Microsoft Office, and more on any device: Macs, PCs, iPads, Android tablets, Chromebooks, smartphones, and more.
- Pay-as-you-go for Microsoft Office. Rent it by the month and cancel anytime.
- Manage accounts with the administrative control panel.
- Create new desktops, provision software, manage storage and permissions, monitor usage, and run reports.
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