Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
The concept of any device, to any content, in anyway is a major global trend occurring in business IT environments that requires significant changes to the way devices are used. This trend is known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
In the past, an employee who needed access to the corporate network would be issued a company provided device, such as a laptop or PC. These devices were typically expensive and were seen as tools for work. With the growth of consumer devices, and the related drop in cost, employees can be expected to have some of the most advanced tools for personal use. These personal tools include laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and e-readers. BYOD is about end users having the freedom to use these personal tools to access information and communicate across the corporate network. These can be devices purchased by the employer, purchased by the employee, or both. BYOD means any device, with any ownership, used anywhere. Extended connectivity through mobile and remote access to the corporate network gives employees tremendous flexibility and increased productivity.
BYOD is an influential trend that has or will touch every IT organization. There are many impacts and considerations when providing for a BYOD environment.