While not every organization has a formal bring-your-own-device program, every organization should develop policies and processes regarding the use of personal devices for work. Here are some best practices to consider when defining and implementing BYOD.

Define your BYOD policy

Define eligibility

Identify who can use personal devices for work and scenarios where it is inappropriate due to data security, worker type or other factors. In enterprises that allow a BYOD device to replace a corporate endpoint, this decision is typically optional for the worker and subject to managerial discretion.

Determine allowed devices

BYOD policies should allow people to use whatever type of device best meets their needs.

Set service availability

Think about the services and apps you want to make available on BYOD devices and whether they differ by work groups, user types, device types and network utilized as you define your policy.

Clarify cost sharing

Some organizations provide a subsidy for BYOD devices and other services, especially in cases where a corporate device is no longer provided. If considering a stipend, tax consequences and potential IT cost savings should be taken into account.

Implement BYOD in your organization

Plan rollout

Provide guidance to help people decide whether to participate, choose the right device and understand the responsibilities that come with bringing their own device, including how data can be accessed, used and stored.

Implement security

Confidential business information should reside on the endpoint only in isolated, encrypted form, and only when absolutely necessary. Multi-layered security should include granular policy-based user authentication with tracking and monitoring for compliance; control over print capabilities and client-side storage; and mandated antivirus/anti-malware software. IT should consider remote wipe mechanisms if business information is allowed on the device.

Establish support and maintenance levels

Spell out the type of incidents IT will support and the extent of this support. A loaner pool of devices allows uninterrupted productivity during service, especially when a BYOD device is used in place of a corporate device. Consider providing key personnel with additional, concierge-style support.

BYOD can take many forms. Citrix solutions provide a flexible yet controlled framework to design and implement the right BYOD policy for your organization.

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