The consumerization of IT isn’t new. It’s been infiltrating organizations and breaking down B2C and B2B barriers for over a decade now. Cloud-based email, social networks, and instant messaging were all introduced from the outside in. We can even thank consumers for smuggling in those emoticons we see peppered throughout our daily communications :).
IT departments must embrace these mini-uprisings and harness the power of their own corporate crowdsourcing. Just like how local governments started building skateboard parks for the disgruntled youth to negotiate 180 fakie kickturns rather than scuff up bank benches or Mayor Quimby’s bust, more and more IT groups are embracing this inevitable change.
For example, many traditionally close-to-the-vest companies are opening up their own physical IT “stores” to better connect with employees, get ahead of trends, and build up goodwill. Similarly, even SAP has an Apple-esque “genius bar” at many of its offices.
The biggest fear, of course, is a breach in security or data loss. A company can never be 100% safe, but risk can be managed. IT groups must ditch the draconian mentality and better prepare its flock. Giving employees access to a few, approved services will create less cracks in the armor.
I spoke with one CTO from a leading Bay Area retail company and security was top of mind: “Data is critical to an organization's success. As long as it remains protected within the internal environment, it should be okay.” Ultimately, “consumerization of IT is good as we need to develop better technologies to compete for consumer dollars, and the non-consumer sectors end up with a better product.” In other words, it’s a balance between fences and freedom.
Here are 6 ways a dominant BYOService can bring goodness to a business:
1. Better collaboration that breaks down silos
2. Boosts morale and minimizes frustration
3. Pre-installed adoption means a quick learning curve
4. Ubiquitous platform spans devices and platforms – no walled gardens
5. Mother Earth will thank you – less printing and it puts a stop to those maddening USB drives in the shape of the company logo.
6. You’ll look cool, even to the skateboard crowd