SPLIT ACCESS - Robert Half Technology Survey: Nearly One in Two Firms Allow Employees to Access Company Networks Using Personal Smartphones or Other Devices

TORONTO, May 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Nearly half of technology executives are allowing employees to access the company network using their personal smartphones and other technology tools, a concept known as "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD), a new Robert Half Technology survey shows. Forty-nine per cent of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed said employees can access their companies' corporate networks using their personal smartphones, tablets, computers or other devices.

The Canadian survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on more than 270 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees.

CIOs were asked, "Do you allow employees access to your corporate networks via personal laptops, smartphones or tablets?" Their responses:

    <<
    Yes..................................   49%
    No...................................   51%
                                           ----
                                           100%
    >>

Among the CIOs whose firms do allow workers to access the company network using their own equipment, 44 per cent said their firms offer limited technical support to these individuals, and 52 per cent offer full support. Four per cent offer no support.

"Firms are striving to balance employees' wish to use their preferred devices with the possible security risks and logistical challenges, such as offering support for these non-standard gadgets," said Lara Dodo, a regional vice-president of Robert Half Technology in Canada.

Although most CIOs surveyed don't currently allow employees to use their personal devices to access company networks, the tide may soon turn, particularly with the rise in telecommuting and remote work arrangements. "As more professionals seek the most cutting edge technologies, they would rather use those devices for both work and personal communication," she said. "Organizations are aware of this trend and are currently determining the best solutions to mobile device management in the workplace."

About Robert Half Technology

With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology at twitter.com/RobertHalfTech.

TO SPEAK WITH A LOCAL EXPERT, CONTACT: Robert Half Technology, Contact: Nadia Santoli, [phone], [email protected]