BYOD IT Cliff looming Jan. 2nd, but Acronis says it can be avoided

Woburn, MA - December 17, 2012 - Some IT managers fear an "IT cliff" on January 2^nd, with the record-breaking number of iPads that are predicted to sell this holiday season potentially finding their way into the workplace, and onto corporate networks. However, Acronis can assure that bring-your-own-device (BYOD) doesn't have to bring IT to a screeching halt. With the right planning and technology in place, enterprises can strike a balance between ease-of-use and enterprise-grade security while still retaining control and security of their network and data.

IT-approved devices make up only a fraction of those in the workforce, with 81 percent of employees using their own devices at work. Today's worker is accustomed to on-demand data and social media connectivity, and personal devices go hand-in-hand. Yet, the widespread use of personal devices presents a security risk and potentially puts sensitive company data outside the control of IT. In order to protect the enterprise, IT must adapt to demands of the end user and ensure data is secure and available regardless of where and how data is stored and accessed.

"Employees are taking IT into their own hands because it's affordable, and easier than jumping through internal approvals," said Scott Crenshaw, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, Acronis. "But, the anticipated flood of personal devices in January doesn't need to spell doom for IT. In fact, organizations of all sizes have a unique opportunity to control costs and create a more connected, data-driven workplace. Some IT managers feel they are losing control, but with careful device configuration and monitoring policies, simple file access and security solutions, and the right planning, enterprise IT can shake off their fears and focus on the benefits of BYOD."

Acronis offers several suggestions to IT managers preparing for the flood of personal devices and Macs in the workplace this January. They include adopting mobile device management (MDM) secure access solutions; conducting regular security audits; tracking device use with a central management tool to ensure compliance; providing simple solutions for file access, sharing and security; and, most importantly, planning for the worst with a comprehensive business continuity plan.

In the New Year, Acronis sees a promising future for data access, availability and protection in the workplace. By becoming BYOD-friendly, the enterprise gains a true competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world of Big Data, complex IT environments and escalating personal device adoption.