Keeping track of all devices can feel like a never-ending juggling act, especially for mid-sized businesses. And you’re not the only one feeling this way. In fact, our latest survey reveals almost half (46.9%) of mid-market organizations see managing all the different types of devices as a major challenge.
But what if we told you there鈥檚 a special advantage your mid-sized business has that can help you handle this “device sprawl” and even come out on top?
Yes, we鈥檙e talking about strategic agility.
Take a sneak peek into our latest e-book, “Mid-Market IT: This Is Your Superpower” through this blog, to discover how an agile approach can help you not just survive, but thrive, amidst the complexities of device management.
Why Managing Devices is Tricky for Mid-Sized Businesses
So, what makes keeping tabs on devices such a headache for mid-sized companies? A big reason is the growing trend of employees using their own devices for work 鈥� what鈥檚 known as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
More than a third (35%) of the devices used in mid-market companies are actually personally owned. When employees use a mix of company-owned and personal phones, tablets, and computers, it creates a complicated situation.
Keeping everything secure and organized becomes much harder. It’s easy to feel like you’re fighting a “losing battle” against the sheer number and variety of gadgets.
The Risks of Letting Your Devices Run Wild
When you have a lot of different devices that aren’t properly managed, it鈥檚 tougher to keep them all safe and secure. And security is a top priority for all businesses in today’s digital world, especially for mid-sized ones having more than 25 employees. Unmanaged device sprawl can cause your data, and eventually your organization, to be at risk from cyber threats.
A Simple Plan for Managing Devices Better: Strategic Agility
Here’s where your mid-market “superpower” 鈥� strategic agility 鈥� comes into play. Mid-sized organizations are in a unique position. You’re “mature enough鈥� to drive significant change and investments without the bulk that slows enterprises down. Being agile allows you to compete with your larger counterparts by investing in new technology quickly, keeping your IT streamlined, and adapting efficiently.
You can actively choose and quickly implement smart strategies to manage your devices better. Here鈥檚 how you can leverage your strategic agility:
Manage Devices from One Place
Trying to manage each device individually is a recipe for headaches. Implement using a single system to manage all your devices 鈥� both company-owned and personal. Most mid-market organizations (86.2%) actually prefer one all-in-one solution for things like logging in and security, rather than using different tools.
A single system can make managing devices easier, ensure everyone follows the same rules, and give you a clearer picture of all the devices connected to your network.
Set Clear Security Policies
With a mix of different devices, it’s crucial to have clear security rules in place. They should cover using strong passwords, protecting sensitive information, and what people can and can’t do on work devices (even personal ones used for work).
Having and enforcing strong security rules is essential to help your business grow and protect your valuable data.
Handle BYOD Challenges Smartly
Since many of your employees are likely using their own devices for work, you need a smart way to handle them. This means creating a clear company policy for BYOD at work, including what types of devices are allowed and what security steps need to be taken.
Solutions like mobile device management (MDM) or unified endpoint management (UEM) software can help you manage and secure both company and personal devices.
Consider an All-in-One IT Solution
Instead of using multiple point solutions, think about an all-in-one IT management platform. It can handle things such as identity and access management, security, and importantly, device management.
Remember, mid-market organizations often prefer a single, comprehensive solution. This can simplify your stack, make it more efficient and secure overall.
Take Control Of Your Devices Today
Managing all the devices in your company might seem like a big challenge, but it’s definitely something mid-sized businesses can handle 鈥� and even excel at! By using smart strategies like centralized device management, setting clear security policies, and using your business’s natural ability to adapt quickly, you can get a handle on your devices, boost your security, and keep your IT running smoothly.
Ready to learn more about the special advantages your mid-sized business has and how to use your “superpower” to tackle today’s biggest tech challenges? Download our full report, “Mid-Market IT: This Is Your Superpower,” today and discover how to succeed in our fast-changing world.
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