Typical issues in mobile computing (and some solutions)
Mobile computing – connecting to the internet via any device and from any location – has fast become normal practice. Your colleagues expect to access the entire network remotely no matter what device they use or where they work.
Unfortunately for those operating small businesses, mobile computing doesn't come without challenges. Let's look at what issues you might face with mobile computing, and how to go about solving them.
4 typical issues in mobile computing
Network demand
Both 3G and 4G networks struggle with demand sometimes. Office networks are no different now that any employee can bring in several devices and connect them all to the internal Wi-Fi. Some offices are solving this issue by encouraging staff to work remotely, while others are looking at how they can adapt their existing network to meet demand. Increasing bandwidth is a solution for some, while others have to dig deeper to find out what's really slowing their network down.
Security risks and concerns
With so many devices, the number of security concerns also increases. Workers sync their phones, tablets and laptops, meaning if any one of these devices goes missing, company data is at risk.
Especially where working remotely is concerned, devices are easily left behind in cafes or other venues. Connecting to unsecured networks also leaves colleagues open to hackers and other cyber crime.
IT teams have to be rigorous in ensuring company data is as safe as it can be.
Availability of company information
The more mobile computing becomes a common place occurrence, the higher the expectation from workers. More than ever, employees expect to connect to all company files, networks or software applications via any device no matter where they are.
That means your files, folders, software and any other platforms have to be accessible via the cloud. Many new software platforms already offer this availability, and a number of companies allow staff to login remotely. However, when it comes to making your own networks and files available outside of the office, you need the technical know-how to do it securely and ensure 24/7 access.
Client expectation
It's not just workers that expect access from anywhere, anytime. Your clients may want to interact with your company on their own terms. These days customers expect an app that allows them to do everything they used to do in your shop, local branch, closest office or website. However, they don't want to go through tons of security protocol, yet expect you to keep their details and transactions properly protected.
Customers also want speed – both websites and apps should load within a matter of seconds. No one wants to wait for mobile computing.
Solutions to the challenges of mobile computing
- Network solutions: One possible solution to your network problems simply increasing the bandwidth. However, looking more broadly at how your network functions may also help you improve speed and efficiency. Especially where businesses have grown over time, it might be worth looking at network design, checking you actually have the physical infrastructure required to support your current needs. You might also discover that you don't actually have the right kind of network solution in place, and could benefit from a different type of technology altogether.
- Security services: Ensuring your critical data is safe requires a three-step approach. First you need to identify how your current system stands up, then you have to design a long-term solution that protects clients and employees alike. Going forward it's important you continue to test the robustness of your system, and make tweaks as required. As well as keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date you need to ensure your firewall and network settings are strong enough to defeat hackers, and educate staff about how to protect your business.
- Cloud services: Over time, you can move your IT services across to an off-site server so everyone can access everything you offer outside of the office. Choosing the latest cloud technology ensures your services are as protected as possible, safe from hackers even outside of your own servers, with appropriate back up and contingency plans in place as well.
- Managed IT solutions: Given the myriad potential issues of mobile computing, investing in managed IT services can be both a time and cost-effective solution. With external experts, you can leave them to worry about speed, security, infrastructure and accessibility. Even better, many offer 24/7 support, ensuring your services are available even when you're not. On the other hand, you can simply call in the experts when it's time for review, or you have one issue you particularly want to target.
At Biztech, we offer all manner of IT support solutions, ensuring your business operations continue anytime, any place. Ready to solve your mobile computing issues? Give our IT experts a call now.