Crafting a strong bring your own device (BYOD) policy involves thinking about what devices aren't included as well as those that are. Some of the devices that need to be considered in a BYOD policy could be obvious, while others require some knowledge and strategy to handle correctly. Determining how accessible your mainframe apps will be can suggest which devices are worthy of BYOD inclusion.
"How accessible your mainframe apps will be can suggest which devices are worthy."
For example, if your business uses a web based terminal emulator, it can bridge the gaps between Apple and Android devices, giving your employees comprehensive access to mainframe tools. As you are including these devices, you can decide which equipment shouldn't be allowed.
Though the situation will be different for every company, the following are some ideas for devices to leave off your BYOD list:
- High data devices: Will you pay for data you won't use? Plan realistically for the way your policy will turn out by predicting whether or not data usage will be high for company-sponsored devices.
- Wearables: Although they may become BYOD-relevant soon, Ken Hess of ZDNet says that they aren't really flexible enough to have an extended presence in the workplace. "The reason that wearables are not currently part of BYOD is that they simply are too simple," he says. "The only connectivity they have now is to an app or apps on a mobile device via Bluetooth."
Open up BYOD policies with an appropriate mainframe modernization plan that includes the most relevant devices for you. Narrowing the field could also help companies identify the most valuable devices for their workforce.