IBM Provides its Workers with SmartPhone and Tablet Support
IBM Provides its Workers with SmartPhone and Tablet Support by Robbie Pleasant
Embracing the “bring your own device” trend, IBM has taken steps to ensure that by the end of the year, many of its employees will be able to connect to IBM's internal networks with their handheld devices of choice. While employees will pay for their own devices and service plans, they will be provided with guidance and technical support from IBM.
In order to securely access IBM's systems, e-mails, and other various functions, users will have to load agent software, while IBM enhances security with VPNs and by requiring passwords. Users will be able to access e-mail, contacts, and their calendar through IBM Lotus Traveler, and can remotely remove data from any lost or stolen devices.
Furthermore, IBM intends to let employees choose from the many smartphone and tablet apps through IBM's WhirlWind app storefront, which contains about 400 third-party apps approved for IBM use, as well as 100 apps designed for IBM employees. There is no system for tracking what apps users install, but IBM has strict business conduct guidelines to prevent slacking off and wasting company time that employees must agree to.
“IBM’s move to BYOD will expand the role of UC for its mobile users, enabling both person-to-person contact flexibility and CEBP notifications from time-sensitive applications,” said Art Rosenberg, UCStrategies UC Expert, in his blog. “IBM’s BYOD policy is setting an example for large organizations to migrate their legacy telephony business communications to a more cost efficient and productive virtual and mobile UC environment.”
For more information, visit www.ibm.com.