Rating: Redmond tackles Apple iPad head on
There has been a mixed reception to the news about Microsoft’s Surface tablet from withing the mobile/cellular industry. Tony Grace, COO of Virgin Media Business, told GoMobile News, “Microsoft has always been a favourite for business use and these Surface tablets will usher in the next generation of ‘consumerised’ IT.”He continued, “Marrying consumer and business applications, the desktop application supportive device marks a step-change across business and consumer usage.”
Grace argues, “We’re likely to see companies looking again at implementing ‘Bring Your Own Device’ schemes after their initial popularity following the launch of the iPad.
These schemes give staff the freedom to choose the kit they want to use, for both work and play.
Any business that is looking to embrace ‘BYOD’ must ensure they’ve the right policies and processes in place to ensure safe use at all times.”
Already Virgin’s research shows 42 per cent of staff are using their own gadgets at work, with one in five (16 per cent) of companies offering ‘BYOD’ schemes.
This is set to increase, with a further 20 per cent looking to roll-out similar schemes in the future.
“Companies will have to keep a watchful eye on this to make sure all devices accessing their networks have been checked and approved by IT teams,” Grace added.
