Bring your own device (also known as BYOD) refers to the method of workers connecting and accessing their businesses' networks and work-related services using their own personal devices.
Mobile phones, laptops, tablets and computers are some examples of personal devices.
A small company may allow its workers to bring and use their own devices at work, such as their own mobile phones to make business calls or their own laptop to connect to and access their desktop.
Employee productivity is expected to improve as a result of device and equipment comfort and familiarity, due to the method of 'bring your own device'.
This improvement in productivity will be aided further by the constant availability of a device or computer that can be utilised at home, allowing workers to work remotely.
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy in schools, which allows students to bring their own mobile phones, laptops or tablets to classes and lessons, may be one of the most significant developments in educational technology today.
Not only will this policy help relieve schools from certain costs, but it will also help promote learning outside the classroom by allowing students and children to access the same educational material on the same device, no matter where they are, like-wise to hosted desktops.
It also encourages self-directed problem-solving skills; so instead of idly listening to a lecture, students are able to utilise their gadgets to ask questions, do research and collaborate with classmates and teachers, which also helps to encourage students and children to participate more in classes.
Furthermore, it helps support modern students in becoming prepared and educated for their future careers as professions adapt to new technological advancements made every day.
However, the main concern among teachers is that due to the presence of electronic devices in a classroom, students may become more easily distracted from lessons. Although, certain websites and applications can be blocked or restricted if students begin to misuse their technology.
Hosted desktops enable businesses to make better use of 'bring your own device' (BYOD) initiatives while also fulfilling workers' desire to utilise and access their work using their own devices in the workplace.
It also allows employees to operate remotely since all of their resources and tools will be accessible from their own personal device through a hosted desktop.
Another benefit of hosted desktops is that the solution BYOD is at more risk of data loss or theft. As there may be a lack of security on some personal devices, data can become more vulnerable to being attacked, compared to GoCloud hosted desktops and their gold standard security.
There are numerous benefits of using the BYOD method.
Increase in productivity - increase in staff productivity due to the comfort and familiarity of using personal devices.
Increase in employee satisfaction - due to employees being able to work remotely from their own device, there is an increase in support of flexible work arrangements, allowing workers to work from home or from remote areas, increasing their morale.
Increase in effectiveness - as a result of comfort and familiarity of using their own personal devices, employees are able to work faster as no training or teaching is needed to use their own devices.
Overall costs are reduced - as employees can bring in their own devices, there would be no need to spend money on further hardware, software or maintenance in the workplace.
However, the BYOD method also has its drawbacks.
Lack of security - data breaches may occur as a result of lost, stolen, damaged or hacked personal devices. Some workers may also work remotely using public Wi-Fi networks which may not be secure, leaving the device vulnerable to being attacked by others.
Lack of security software - some employees' personal devices may lack effective security softwares, such as firewall or antivirus software.
Lack of software systems - some personal devices may lack certain software systems that are incompatible, making their work considerably more difficult.
Costs - some employees may lack access or affordability for devices, so costs may rise if the department provides support for them.
Lack of network - a workplace may lack a network or accessibility to resources or tools; however, this can be resolved by utilising solutions such as hosted desktops.
If you would like to use hosted desktops to benefit the BYOD method for your business, we can transition your team over to their very own hosted desktop solution without any disruption to your business. Access your files, data and apps with a GoCloud Windows hosted desktop and make remote working a possibility.
If you're ready to make the switch, get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk to find out more.
Take a GoCloud hosted desktop for a free 5-day test drive and experience the freedom to work from anywhere.
