Managing a new enterprise deployment such as a mobile device initiative might seem easy for some IT professionals, but wireless IT has much less in common with traditional IT than they might think. As such, it can bring serious, unexpected problems.
Even the most talented IT managers can quickly find themselves out of their element in supporting a burgeoning number of wireless devices that all want access to the enterprise back-end.
Setting up a mobile wireless server might seem manageable when you're simply rolling out a few dozen mobile devices to top management. But will the deployment scale over time? Do you need a dedicated server for wireless solutions? What policy settings should be used? There are over 400 IT policy settings to define for a BlackBerry deployment. Setting up policies incorrectly can lead to serious security gaps that can put important organizational data at risk.
Here are five key points IT managers should keep in mind when setting up enterprise wireless:
1. Don't install on the same server that handles your corporate e-mail .
While it's tempting to install your mobile server software (e.g. BlackBerry Enterprise Server) on the same hardware you use for enterprise e-mail, don't do it. To improve troubleshooting and enhance performance, it's best to have dedicated servers to support your mobile users.
2. Carefully grant permissions.
A surprising amount of IT managers leave wireless networks open to outside users and employees who are no longer with the company. This brings about serious security risks and can put your job on the line. Managers have to be more precise about who can access the network.
3. Make sure users can get answers.
When the CEO's BlackBerry stops working, who does he call? Do you want your CEO to have to call the carrier and be put on hold for half an hour? Do you want him calling you? There's a much better way. Outsourced wireless solutions providers can quickly, clearly and accurately handle all of the support.
4. Keep up with updates.
An excellent wireless network means little if it's out of date. In the world of mobile wireless, there are server upgrades and device upgrades. You have to upgrade both to get the best results. While pushing automatic upgrades to individual mobile devices is now starting to be common, most organizations need to do those upgrades manually. That can be a logistical nightmare, but an experienced third-party mobile consultant knows how to handle upgrades efficiently with minimal disruption to the organization.
5. Understand what's at stake.
Mobile deployment may not have been mission-critical when the first few executives asked for access to company e-mail on the road, but over time those devices have grown well beyond that simple functionality. We now live in a world where enterprise executives and managers are highly dependent on their mobile devices, and that dependency is growing with each passing day. Moreover, exponential growth of mobile devices is not uncommon within large companies. Today, when mobile solutions fail, entire enterprises and business initiatives are put at risk of failure. It's imperative that modern-era IT managers execute best practices in planning for, deploying and supporting their mobile enterprises. If that means bringing in the pros for some help, so be it.
About the Author
Dan Croft is the President and CEO of Mission Critical Wireless, a wireless data solutions provider