Aruba Networks’ recent #GenMobile report revealed how mobility as a user trend has transformed the traditional workforce. Some of the most telling findings were that most South Africans prefer wireless connectivity over fixed lines, and that 93% of respondents believed that better mobile access will make them more productive.
Smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices have created a sea change in how people work, shop and play. Encompassing people of all ages and occupations, #GenMobile is defined by its preference for mobility, both in terms of the devices they use and how they use them.
These tech-savvy individuals are bent on maximising productivity by relying on their mobile devices for every aspect of work and personal communication. They demand to stay connected to everything all the time and dislike the constraints of the traditional workplace.
Some 29% would give up coffee and 25% would stop eating out before giving up their smartphones. If given a choice, 84% would not use a desktop computer, and half would rather work from home two to three days a week than accept a 10% salary rise.
Matthew Barker, regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa for Aruba Networks, says: “It’s a matter of streamlining processes without forgetting the user.
“Companies need to be in touch with how technology is used by people. Enterprises can attract #GenMobile employees by creating a truly all-wireless workplace where WiFi is pervasive, guest and BYOD security are automated, office appliances are mobile-device friendly, and communications applications on mobile devices simply work better.
“The majority of those within your workforce believe that greater mobility access will increase their productivity; while positive, this also poses a challenge to businesses in terms of policy and mobile device management (MDM).”
In order to realise the wireless workplace, companies need to rethink their existing network architecture. It is no mystery that users, no matter where they are, want fast and reliable mobile connectivity.
In today’s modern workforce, not all users work in the head office and the rising bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend means that secure access is now critical. The challenge becomes how businesses can give top roaming capabilities to their users without compromising their networks’ security.
Creating a wireless LAN that can be managed centrally over an enterprise scale that includes advanced guest services and unified wired and wireless polices, means that, not only are you taking the first steps in creating an enriched user experience based on individual needs, but you also secure all access.
Device application and MDM are key factors when it comes to managing an increasingly mobile workforce. “Devices need to be managed properly before you grant network access. The correct MDM policy will enforce network access privileges. You want your network to be able to block shady devices that have blacklisted apps and/or that have been “jail broken”.
“A smart network can also enforce policy regulation by routing users to cloud updates that ensure all security protocols are met before granting access.”
Part of this relies on your company’s network to provide tailor-made certificates that allow access based on your current status. Whether you are a guest or an employee, your access to the network will be tailored to your unique needs.
Unfortunately, legacy WiFi is merely an extension of static, wired networks and offers little value in a #GenMobile world. It can’t keep up with this hyper-mobile population, creating a poor user experience and excessive helpdesk calls.
Gigabit wireless (802.11ac), the next generation of WiFi technology, changes this, delivering multiple enhancements beyond the old 802.11n standard. It is faster, delivering up to 30% improved performance, and provides better range and stronger security. It also doubles channel width, supporting up to 80Mhz channels, and improves speeds for existing 802.11n devices along with newer 802.11ac devices.
Further, it is more power efficient, reducing the drain on mobile devices’ batteries by transmitting data faster, and uses existing switching infrastructure for backhaul. These enhancements combine and enable you to support the explosion of mobile devices and data-hungry apps today.
Barker adds: “It is critical to remember that your IT infrastructure is not the pinnacle of a business but a complex tool that needs to meet the changing needs of the workforce.”
Providing a wireless LAN that not only meets the immediate needs of your existing mobile-driven workforce, but also accommodates the future needs of your users is challenging, but not impossible. Breaking away from the traditional fixed network and embracing modern user trends will not only ensure that your network meets today’s challenges, but also tomorrow’s challenges.
