Christmas gadgets challenge CIOs

The gadgets that many employees got for Christmas are set to give CIOs a new challenge.

As new smartphones and tablets are brought in post the festive season, companies have to be able to control the increased influx. Research suggests that there is actually a disparity between the devices workers are bringing into the office and what the IT department allow for work use.

Cloud supplier, Star believes this is set to become a battle in the workplace. “It is clear that the consumer trends in technology will be one of the biggest factors in 2012 that drive UK companies to rethink their IT.”

Star carried out research that revealed IT departments were not prepared for the influx of iPhones and iPads and fewer than 50% had integrated these devices. In fact only a quarter of companies have allowed more than a tenth of workers to use their own devices.

Those larger companies on board with the change (employees becoming recognised as a powerful force when it comes to change within a company) are encouraging employees to ‘bring your own’ device.

According to these enterprises hardware spending can be reduced, workers are given the device appropriate to their role, and of course – the worker is happy.

Citric has formularised a test scheme to allow their employees to choose their own computing device for work (Buy Your Own Computer, BYOC). The company pays for the employee’s device, and this is open to all staff – 20% are on board so far.

IT service firm Cognizant, has a ‘Future of Work’ initiative that spells out the need for businesses to take on board the will of the employee or risk losing staff to companies able to offer them what they want.

Power to the people, so to speak.