Arming employees with smartphones

Consumer Information | Mobile Phones

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By now it’s no secret: businesses are using smartphones to their advantages. They allow for instant communications no matter where employees are. What’s more, it allows for the simplest type of communication. While there are many instances when phone calls take too long, or are simply not possible, email is the new communication currency. Employees armed with smartphones are more likely to remain up to date on all important business information.

There are many smartphones available, and so there are tons of choices. Here are a few suggestions when picking the smartphones for your workforce.

Compitability

Not all IT departments are the same. Each runs different hardware and software. Those configurations will mean a lot when setting up smartphones. For instance, if a company doesn’t run Microsoft Exchange, it might not make as much sense to arm the workforce with iPhones, since iPhones work optimally with Microsoft Exchange. Similarly, a small company might not want to invest in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server and then absorb the additional costs associated with one. The foremost consideration in putting smartphones in employees’ hands is the compatibility with the current systems.

Security

When it comes to business, security is a top priority. While hacking attacks aren’t exactly common, they can post a great risk to any business, big or small. Choosing a smartphone platform that provides the greatest level of security should rank highly among a business’s considerations. This might mean spending a great deal more. Using the above example, going with BlackBerry means investing more in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. But it also means having data encrypted at Research In Motion’s data centers, which means a greater level of security. It’s a tough balancing act, but it is a critical one.

Versatility

While the BlackBerry might be the most secure smartphone, it is also the least versatile. Users will get the basics — email, calendar, and contacts, with easy syncing to computers — but very little more. While a lot of the extras are entertainment-based, many of them can serve a purpose for businesses. A platform such as iPhone will offer users more features for essentially the same price — and perhaps cheaper when considering the cost of BES. Versatility might not be quite as important as security, but it does play a role in the decision.

Price

Of course, businesses can’t just throw money at the issue and declare a solution. They need to make measured decisions on every aspect, including price. Again, the most secure solution might cost a lot, but the less secure and cheaper option can leave businesses more vulnerable. There are monthly fees to consider as well — RIM is notorious for its monthly charge per user for BES usage. The extra price just might not work for some companies, even if the solution is otherwise the best.