With so much attention centering around innovative tech, companies may confuse consumer tech with the devices that could fit into a business setting. In addition to the Apple Watch and other prominent examples of this sector, businesses should learn about the specific ways wearables might make inroads into BYOD for a more connected organization. As they research this, administrators should investigate legacy modernization methods that match their platform of choice.
In a ZDNet article from earlier this year, Ken Hess imagined some of the possible future uses for the enterprise business application, such as virtual ID badges and instant voice communications. These could improve current wearables to make them more useful. Hess believes that the wearable could eventually play an important role. Instead of the device itself, Hess focuses on the way applications might work with them.
"For an example of a BYOD wearable, consider that instead of clipping on an ID badge for building entry and exit or for data center access, the virtual badge will be installed on a wearable, such as a watch that, when in proximity to the secure door, will connect and authenticate allowing the employee to enter," Hess said.
"Smart watches are indeed the most commonly seen business wearable at the moment."
According to a TechRepublic survey, smart watches are indeed the most commonly seen business wearable at the moment, though smartphones and tablets are the most popular BYOD devices.
While the source said "nearly three fourths of companies" are using BYOD, it also said that 71 percent of the subjects "have no plans" to start using them. The same source found that 78 percent of the survey's respondents had either reduced the costs of IT or had no effect.
Preparing for wider device support may be intimidating to businesses without the support for better integration with existing legacy applications. Using these modernization tools, companies can better exploit the wearables opportunity—for example, texting managers with inventory alerts.