Global enterprise expenditures on mobile devices are supposed to have increased by 2012. The mobile device market is going to expand about 280%. All that requires IT managers to start implementing mobile device policies. Datamonitor states that enterprises should consider supporting a certain set of mobile devices allowed in their organizations instead of banning them altogether.

Enterprise Mobile Security Concerns

It is no secret that security concerns outweigh the advantages of mobility deployments. In March 2007 a survey was conducted that proved this fact. According to the study, most employees would like to integrate their own mobile devices with corporate e-mail account and other applications rather than using IT issued device for work.

The majority of IT specialists are aware of the phenomenon, but cannot do anything about it. They refuse to be responsible for managing such a large selection of mobile devices. Moreover, iPhone's consumerization standard in device userability seems to promote current employees' behavior and the trend is sure to go on.

Device Management Software Needed

According to the report, more and more carriers, like e.g. Vodafone Group PLC, have realized the risks that many enterprises face in managing devices. They have begun offering hosted device management software, that will erase all user's data if an employee loses his iPhone, or in case the phone is broken a user can contact his operator to remotely diagnose and fix the device.

As for regular employees, all that fuss is a good sign. Enterprises cannot interfere with their freedom. If a person likes his or her mobile device, why not use it everywhere? Of course that requires the employee to be responsible and honest. Anyway, mobile device popularity is so big that hardly anyone will refuse from their use. Clear policies in place still can manage employees' expectations.