How to Avoid Enterprise Mobility Mistakes

By CIOReview | Thursday, October 6, 2016

Enterprise mobility mistakes can be detrimental to a company’s mobile initiatives.

Although mobility solutions provide many benefits, mobile initiatives have always remained complex. Moreover, enterprises are still facing challenges in terms of data security, app development and privacy. However, it is important to consider mobility solution as an integrated platform to create better business by increasing productivity to drive revenue opportunities. Here are the key aspects that a CIO should consider to avoid Enterprise mobility mistakes:

Have a Clear Vision

Mobile application requires unique set of development tools and different protocols for security and compliance. Most of the companies jump into building mobility solution without proper planning. End-users have their own set of expectations and apps are designed specifically to meet those requirements. It is important for an enterprise to know the significance of mobility solution and for what is it being used. However, having a detailed knowledge about the outcome of the mobility solution will help in meeting enterprise needs. For instance, if the aim is to cut down the enterprise cost using mobility solution, then the organization can do so by leveraging the tools that they currently have in their premises.

Point Solution - Think Again

Purchasing an enterprise mobility solution to address only one of the concerns may not be a good idea. The most repeated mistake enterprises do while buying mobility solution is – ignoring the requirement of the entire organization. Buying point solution based on one aspect may inadvertently affect the organization’s potential. Hence, it is necessary to invest in a solution that offers flexibility, wide functionality, and supports the enterprise in the long run in order to help the business growth.

Define Technology

Firms must define platforms based on scalability, flexibility, and availability of features, such as keeping a track of usage characteristics, time spent on single page, and many more. This assists in enhancing user experience and consequently ascertains greater implementation of mobile applications.

Test before Deployment

To avoid Enterprise mobility mistakes, enterprises must follow secure coding standards to make sure applications are designed and coded properly. With regard to the threats posed by mobile applications, there are several companies today that test the applications in advance for security before deploying them. Yet, few of the companies hold back because of the lack of knowledge in enterprise mobility tools: some feel they are not yet ready for such advanced step and consider it to be expensive. In fact, there are tools like IBM’s AppScan, HP Fortify and more that simplify testing methods and provide cost-effective tools that aid enterprises to deploy enterprise mobility solution.

Virtualization

As the demand for Enterprise Mobility grows within the enterprises, CIOs are being obligated to implement mobility solution and allow employees use their own device and access the corporate data. While managing and securing BYOD, the focus of the enterprise must be on virtualizing the IT environments. With this flexible environment, IT teams can monitor the workloads, manage the endpoints, and centralize the application as well as desktop delivery process. Virtualization integrated with BYOD can add great value to the business and bring great revenues.

A Well-defined Road Map

To avoid Enterprise mobility mistakes, an enterprise should choose an apt vendor to implement a well-planned mobility strategy that would boost collaboration and communication across the enterprise boosting productivity. However, to achieve this, organization must maintain the security and integrity of business data, as well as protect the corporate network. Finally, firms should consider having a long term mobility plan based on the existing IT infrastructure and internal capabilities. Although it is not impossible to build a perfect mobile solution, enterprises should see to it they address the challenges posed by the looming threats within the enterprise environments and reduce associated risks.