Cisco is using its expertise in networks and the software that runs them to help companies manage and unify their bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. The holistic approach is based on Cisco Borderless Network architecture. “The challenges that companies face are great,” Cisco’s Inbar Lasser-Raab told RCR Wireless News
Lasser-Raab, who is in charge of Cisco’s global marketing for enterprise wireless and routing, said that securing access, delivering a high-quality experience, and managing complexity and scale are CIOs’ most difficult issues regarding IT consumerization. “BYOD is just the beginning. Getting devices to network is just step number one,” she said.
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Cisco’s new approach involves a unified policy, uncompromised user experience, and simplified operations and network management. Combined, these actions aim to help companies improve their mobile device management (MDM) as well as create and manage their BYOD policies.
By simplifying self-provisioning, Cisco seeks to address device onboarding and guest access needs. The policy integration with MDM solutions helps to unify management policies. And the uncompromised experience focuses on supporting more users and more devices, including video scalability and IPv6.
Regarding launch expectations, Lasser-Raab said that from a wireless network perspective, the market is growing very fast and companies are deploying several wireless solutions. She cited the growth of Apple‘s iPad sales.
Cisco’s Connected World Technology Report found that in Brazil 59% of those surveyed said they would accept a lower salary job offer with flexibility in terms of workplace and device usage over a higher-paying job with less flexibility. This is the highest percentage in the 14 countries Cisco surveyed. In the U.S., the percentage is 40%.
The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) phenomenon is increasing around the globe and is particularly common in the United States where companies have encouraged employees to buy their own devices and bring them to the workplace. “Young employees just bring devices they like. The number of people buying tablets is growing,” Lasser-Raab said.
While in developed markets, BYOD adoption may be more mature, in emerging nations, it could take a little longer–but not much. One reason for the delay is the cost of the devices, which is still high. On the other hand, the mentality of the employees, especially younger employees, is the same as that of their counterparts in more developed markets.
