SA new study reveals that in spite of increases in PC alternative device use among federal IT professionals, government agencies must overcome security risks and management challenges for long-term implementation.
The MeriTalk study, “Mobile Powered Government,” reports that federal mobile tablet use will near triple by 2013 and identifies how agencies are preparing to enable post-PC productivity.
“Between the tablet revolution and telework mandates, the Federal government is quickly becoming mobile,” said Craig P. Abod, president, Carahsoft. “To support the mobile workforce agencies need to manage a growing number of devices and offer solutions that enhance productivity without sacrificing security. As agencies adopt more mobility strategies they will need to look for tools that will simplify mobile device management while empowering employees.”
Federal IT professionals cite the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PC alternatives such as laptops, smartphones and tablets. Respondents also agreed that new technologies and management personnel will be the key to ensuring the success of mobile device use in government agencies.
“A mobile government is the government of the future,” said Aileen Black, vice president, Federal, VMware. “Federal agencies are increasingly allowing employees to use personal mobile devices for work. Technologies such as desktop virtualization not only help agencies simplify access to telework, save on hardware costs, and enable increased user flexibility, they also simplify management processes. We encourage agencies to consider these technologies as they develop and roll out their mobility strategies.”
However, IT professionals believe that managing the diversity of personal mobile devices and platforms, budget constraints and technical support are potential barriers to expanding the role of mobile device use in the workplace.
Additionally, respondents note that though agencies offer mobile computing solutions to its employees, not everyone uses the devices. Agencies are currently working on plans to reduce costs related to issuing mobile devices to its employees.
Read the full press release here.