BIZ Issue 3

01 February – 15 March 2014

FEATURE

TO GO GREEN Green efforts are taking place on a large scale

INNOVATION

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE Is your company planning for the future of mobility?

WELCOME | issue three of BIZ mag

WELCOME Welcome to the third issue of BIZ. Our aim with this monthly publication is to keep you abreast of all the exciting developments in the technology world.

EDITORIAL TEAM Senior Manager – Brand and Communications CHARNEL HATTINGH

We cast some light on the virtual revolution and take a look at how businesses need to prepare themselves in a world where mobility is ever-increasing.

Executive Creative Director ANDREW BURKE Editor MICHELLE MARAIS

We take a look at easy steps to green your office environment and investigate the consumerisation of IT and the various costs involved when implementing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

I hope you find inspiration in this issue and enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.

Production Director MARIANNE BURKE Deputy Art Director DAVE STRAUSS Designer TESSA GREEN

Charnel Hattingh SENIOR MANAGER – BRAND AND COMMUNICATIONS

NAVIGATING OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE: We’re very excited to present you with this month’s issue of BIZ. The digital magazine has been designed to allow a truly interactive experience.

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Page-turning

Icons and links

BIZ has been optimised for both tablet and mobile, making it perfect for reading on the go. If you’re a tablet or smartphone user, turn the page by clicking on the arrows indicated on the far left and right of every page. Using your iPhone or iPad? Turn the page by flicking across your screen.

You’ll find various icons throughout the magazine.

By clicking on them you’ll be directed straight to their respective websites.

Some icons will allow you to view the product in more detail, while others will link you to a website providing more information about a specific service.

www.purepublishing.co.za BIZ is published monthly by PURE Publishing & Design cc for ALTECH AUTOPAGE. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

For editorial enquiries, please email: hello@purepublishing.co.za

inside the magazine | CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2014 04

COVER STORY Sustainability starts at home. However, with big corporates jumping on board, green efforts are taking place on a large scale.

08

INNOVATION In an ever-expanding virtual world, what exactly is the business value of wireless technology?

10

PRODUCTS Find your perfect companion with our latest range of handsets and office technologies.

04 20

SERVICES While Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) may present the opportunity for business efficiency and productivity enhancement, companies need to consider the various costs involved.

08

10

20

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Stone

Susan Smit

Jessica Gliddon

Gadget girl and regular tech contributor Amanda i s a self-professed social

A lifelong obsession with gadgets means that when Susan’s not

Originally from Northern California, Jessica’s been a freelance writer

media junkie and has been freelancing

labouring as researcher, she enjoys reading

and editor working in publishing for nearly

since 2011.

Favourite OS: Android OS

and writing about tech.

Favourite OS: iOS 7.0

10 years.

Favourite OS: IOS 7.0

COVER STORY | to go green

TO GO GREEN Achieving a sustainable earth might be a daunting prospect - but with the right approach, we might just be able to create a happily functioning world that doesn’t destroy the environment. WORDS JESSICA GLIDDON oday’s world is becoming increasingly geared to sustainability. It starts at home, with small measures like using only the electricity you need, buying eco-friendly products, recycling plastics and paper, or using energy-efficient appliances. Going green can become a part of everything you do: whether you bike to work or buy an electric car, shop for used clothes and local produce or ensure all your bills are paid online rather than wasting paper, there are countless ways to become earth-friendly.

T

Altech is making an example of how to minimise ones impact on the environment.

Altech has embarked on a paperless initiative in our Retail stores creating a complete interactive environment. The company has also embarked on a “One Cloud” project, which will result in the consolidation and optimisation of the companies data centre resources. By migrating the group company’s applications and services to a centralised and shared data centre, consumption required for operating and cooling is reduced.

However, many of the most exciting green efforts are taking place on a large scale.

Sources of alternative energy such as solar or wind power, carbon capture and hydrogen power offer appealing options for future alternative energy sources, promising that our offices, home and cars can be built in ways to operate with maximum efficiency.

Choosing solutions that maximise energy efficiency can help us minimise our environmental impact, as can using services like cloud computing, which massively reduces the amount of hardware needed by companies to operate. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently published research indicating that moving all office workers in the United States to the cloud could reduce the energy usage by up to 87%.

Saving power is one of the most important sustainable measures for companies and individuals alike. Almost everything in our lives today take power, from cell phones to tablets to computers. Even a quick search on the internet takes power - think of the immense amount of data a company like Google needs to process, whose servers require a massive amount of energy.

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The South African government recently set aside R33.8 billion for 17 clean energy projects in South Africa in the coming years, a clear sign if any that we’re committed to going green. If everyone keeps working to do their bit, who knows how bright the future could be.

to go green | COVER STORY

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH GROUP GREEN INITIATIVES

At Altech Autopage we like to associate ourselves with likeminded companies. That is why we have partnered with HUAWEI to ensure that we contribute to the sustainability of our planet.

Huawei aims to bring high efficiency, energy savings, and environmental friendliness across their product lines to customers.

This is why they actively promote industry-leading power supply solutions for communications networks and data centers. The carrier-class efficient power supply solutions provide modular power systems with a conversion efficiency of 96.8%. Green power supply solutions used in rural areas employ the latest energy technologies to schedule solar power, highly efficient direct current (DC) diesel generator (D.G.), and advanced cycle batteries (ACBs). This not only meets customer requirements for environmental protection and highly efficient operation, but also benefits their customers as well.

“Achieving sustainability is fundamentally a technical challenge”

Carrier-Class Power Solution With a modular design, the Huawei Carrier-Class Power Solution achieves 96.8% energy conversion efficiency, 41 W/in.3 power density, and high reliability. It supports smooth expansion and allows different power capability

rectifiers, different efficiency units and different function units.

Also, the zero-touch design and intelligent hibernation technology facilitate remote operations and management to provide secure and efficient green protection for data centers and communications networks.

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COVER STORY | to go green

Hybrid Power Solution The Huawei Hybrid Power Solution is the first green power supply system with a micro-grid energy system in the industry. This solution integrates a diesel generator (D.G.), an off-grid energy generation system scheduling renewable resources, an efficient energy storing system, and a remote monitoring and management system.

Power generation systems can be scheduled and switched dynamically based on site requirements to supply constant green power, ensuring that services are not interrupted.

D.G. & Battery Hybrid Solution Nowadays, site power mainly comes from diesel generators. How to maximize their working efficiency has become a priority in the industry. The Huawei D.G. & Battery Hybrid Solution reduces fuel consumption by more than 50%. This solution uses an intelligent monitoring and scheduling system to schedule the D.G. and storage batteries based on the D.G. efficiency, load power, and battery capacity to ensure high efficiency by minimizing the D.G. usage. It has quickly become a preferred low-carbon power supply solution for traditional sites.

Alternative Power Solution In order to use alternative energy to serve the needs of the population and promote economic development, Huawei has devoted many years of R&D efforts to alternative energy

technologies and solutions. This has brought about the launch of an industryleading alternative energy solution. The solution uses Huawei-developed energy scheduling system to schedule different power supply systems, such as the Solar Power System, Solar-D.G. Hybrid Power System, and Solar-grid Hybrid Power System, to maximize the use of renewable resources and cut carbon emissions.

Huawei’s green energy solutions are used worldwide by many leading operators including Vodafone, Telefonica, Telenor, Belgacom, MTN, Orange, T-Mobile,

ALTECH on waste disposal and recycling In 2013, Altech produced 1 493 tonnes of waste (2012: 984.6 tonnes). Approximately 51% of this (754 tonnes) was recycled with the remaining going to landfill. The group also generated 1.3 tonnes of hazardous waste (2012: 5.7 tonnes) which was disposed of responsibly by a certified waste disposal contractor.

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BT, Airtel, Etisalat, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

In addition, Huawei has provided efficient and clean green power for the sites in Greece, South Africa, and Pakistan based on the climate and load power to bring significant business benefits to customers.

The company has also developed the Solar Power System for islands in tropical areas, balancing abundant sunshine with the disadvantage of poor transportation to supply clean and stable power while protecting the ecology and the homes of residents. www.huawei.com

Altech UEC has embarked on a comprehensive waste management strategy. Cardboard is the biggest volume waste item and is sold for recycling to Mpact. Shrink wrap, plastic bags, wooden pallets and used oil are also recycled. In addition, the operation has a process in place to address the responsible disposal of e-waste.

Source: ALTECH Sustainability Report 2013

to go green | COVER STORY

Transportation

GreenMeter GreenMeter for the Apple

Green on the go

iPhone lets you track exactly how much impact your vehicle is having on the environment while you’re driving. The app uses the iPhone’s accelerometer to measure forward acceleration which it uses to provide data about

These eco-friendly apps ensure that you minimise your environmental impact no matter where you are or what you’re doing

your car’s fuel usage and engine power so you can know exactly how much you’re using every time you press the accelerator. iOS hunter.pairsite.com/greenmeter

Business

Lifestyle

Shopping

Home

PaperKarma

Joule Bug

GoodGuide

Green Outlet

Annoyed with endless junk mail

Turn saving the environment into

It can be bewildering trying to fig-

Learn how to cut down on

in your mailbox? PaperKarma

a game – earn points every time

ure out the most environmentally

your electricity use with

makes it effortless to stop

you recycle, use a reusable shop-

friendly goods to buy when you

Green Outlet, a handy app

wasteful and annoying junk

ping bag or take a bicycle in-

head to your local store. That’s

that keeps track of your

mail with a simple app that lets

stead of driving your car. It’s a fun

where the GoodGuide comes in

household appliance power

you take a photo of the mail;

usage. Just select the type

competitive app and the more

– this handy app rates commonly

the company will then contact

points you score, the more you

bought items according to their

of appliances you use in

the mailer and remove you

end up saving money as you’ll be

benefits for health, the environ-

the app and it will estimate

from their list. It’s that simple.

cutting down on electricity bills,

ment and social responsibility –

your electricity bills for you.

iOS, Android

petrol bills and more.

just scan the product’s barcode.

iOS

paperkarma.com

iOS, Android / joulebug.com

iOS, Android / goodguide.com

keylime314.com/page5

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INNOVATION | a wireless world

A WIRELESS WORLD

The business value of wireless technology

Wireless as a technology has matured from a cutting edge technology into a mainstream, in many cases, primary means of providing connectivity.

Whether you’re creating a network from scratch, or need to augment or replace your existing wire line links, broadband wireless access is the most reliable and cost-effective high-speed data networking alternative.

There is an obvious and increasing need for bandwidth. Multimedia content, such as video and music have been feeding this intrinsic infatuation for more capacity. This phenomenon has materialised all around the globe and is especially applicable in South Africa.

Access when you need it most

Lead time for installation

Quality of service

If your business has a site that is located in a remote area where no fixed line access is possible, wireless access is an ideal alternative. It is also a suitable redundancy access medium to ensure that your business enjoys uninterrupted business connectivity if your primary access is unavailable.

It could take many months to get leased lines or new fibre implemented.

With the radio technology available today, especially with short-haul radio systems, a customer can have a gigabit connection between two buildings installed and up and running in a matter of a few days.

Proprietary IP tunneling technologies that uses Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) header compression and multiplexing techniques coupled with byte level technology allow the use of higher numbers of RTP VoIP sessions and mixed data to traverse over. Low bandwith broadband links. QoS can be deployed to save on bandwith costs and also to increase the amount of voice and data traffic traversing over a broadband connection.

Here are some benefits of Wireless Technology:

Cost savings When comparing the costs of a wireless link to the cost of fibre, or the ongoing monthly cost of leased lines, wireless always offers considerable savings.

Fixed line carriers charge high monthly annuity costs and often require a lengthy contract just to connect two businesses, if even just a few hundred metres apart.

If fibre does not exist in the building already, the cost to install is usually very high. With a wireless system, that costs could result in break even in just a few months.

a wireless world | INNOVATION

Scalability

In-building Wireless Communications

Wireless technology allows you to quickly and easily adapt your connection to meet your evolving business needs.

Increasing voice channels or data throughout could be as simple as a telephone call with your service provider.

Since the mobile traffic explosion in 2012, there has been a rapid increase in the number of mobile devices and users around the world. In addition, there is a proliferation of video, but most current WLAN infrastructures are not optimal for these real time applications. When looking to enhance your fixed wire technology with a wireless network, you have to choose a network that’s reliable, secure and will offer you excellent performance.

Trends to consider: Ubiquitous WLAN - 97% of organisations deploy some form of WLAN - 88% rate their WLAN deployments extremely or very successful

Reliability

Mobility

Fibre or leased lines are still cabled to the business - just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it can’t break. With cabled last-mile solutions, connectivity could be interrupted as a result of a man-hole fire or some other disaster in the street. In some cases, once a businesses has observed how quickly a wireless link can be installed (and services restored) they often retain the wireless solution for primary connectivity, or as a backup to primary fibre or leased lines when it would be disastrous for the business to lose communications between the various points. It’s always a good idea to have backup connectivity for critical applications.

The link can be redeployed at a new facility should you relocate your business.

Any services (voice or data) will remain the same. In other words, you can take all communications with you wherever you go.

High speed connectivity A wireless connection can provide high-speed business connectivity with enough bandwidth for use of any business application which is bandwidth intensive.

WLAN-only Deployments Rising - 11.3% of employees have WLANonly access but is poised to skyrocket with increased mobility 802.11n is HERE - 802.11n accounted for 85% of C3Q11 shipments - All new WiFi-enabled devices (notebooks, tablets etc…) come with 802.11n support Strong growth in voice & video over WLAN - Video – the network killer app will proliferate Unified Solutions - 2014 will see a renewed effort for unified wired/wireless solutions Source: Nemertes Research

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PRODUCTS | top product picks

7

this issue’s top

PRODUCTS STAY CONNECTED WITH THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

this issue’s top

PRODUCTS

APPLE IPHONE 5C ”Unapologetically plastic” are the words Apple used and it is the true essence of the iPhone 5C. Colour. Gloss. Excitement.

It is set to be available in blue, white, yellow, pink and green, with a further range of case styles to add flair and make a colour combination you’ll rarely see other users carrying. A little thicker and heavier than the iPhone 5, it feels much tougher than even flagship phones with plastic cases. The new design makes room for a bigger battery, which delivers a better performance.

This is a phone for the individual with a sassy style.

OS iOS 7 Processor Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based) Memory/Storage 16/32 GB, 1 GB RAM Screen 640 x 1136 pixels, 4.0 inches, LED-backlit IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, LTE, 100 Mbps; EV-DO Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps

PRODUCTS | top product picks

HTC ONE MINI Hot on the heels of the power-packed HTC One comes the relatively lower powered, but also more pocket-friendly, HTC One mini. It’s a mini-variant, models that of late have become popular with handset makers.

The display on the HTC One mini is one of the phone’s best features.

The device definitely feels premium and includes much of the full HTC Sense 5 experience. It also has premium hardware features like BoomSound, UltraPixel camera, and Zoe photos. Even though it’s smaller than a lot of the current high-end Android handsets, HTC hasn’t skimped on quality, which won’t leave anyone disappointed.

OS Android OS, v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) Processor Dual-core 1.4 GHz Krait 200 Memory/Storage 16 GB [internal], 1 GB RAM Screen 720 x 1280 pixels, Super LCD2 capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed HSPA+, LTE

this issue’s top

PRODUCTS

APPLE IPAD AIR The iPad Air is thinner, slimmer, lighter and faster than its predecessor. While the Air’s hardware is largely improved over the previous generation, the tablet’s battery life and processing power remain more than adequate. The iOS ecosystem also provides plenty of software choice – Apple currently claims 475 000 iPad apps on its App Store.

The iPad Air might not be a game changer but it has nearly perfected Apple’s winning iPad formula.

OS iOS 7.0.3 Processor Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) Memory/Storage 16/32/64/128 GB [internal], 1 GB RAM DDR3 Screen 1536 x 2048 pixels, LED-backlit IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, LTE, 100 Mbps; EV-DO Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps

PRODUCTS | top product picks

HUAWEI E5776 LTE MIFI MODEM The superfast 150mbps Huawei E5776 LTE Mi-Fi Modem has just been released and is said to be one of the fastest modems on the market.

The compact design and super sharp TFTLCD screen makes this modem beautiful to look at. In addition, it will work with any standard SIM card across a variety of networks.

The sleek device will work on a variety of operating systems – Windows, iOS and Linux – making it versatile and very convenient when travelling.

OS Windows XP / Vista / Windows7 / Mac OS 10.5 / Mac OS 10.6 / Mac OS 10.7 Interface Micro SD card Transfer rate DL 150 Mbps/UL 50 Mbps @ 20M [FDD], DL 112 Mbps/UL 10 Mbps @ 20M [TDD] Dimensions 106 x 66 x 15.5 mm Weight 150g [battery included]

this issue’s top

PRODUCTS

APPLE IPHONE 5S The iPhone 5S is a phone that takes everything Apple has learnt in this space over the last six and a half years and put it together in an incredibly cohesive manner.

Below the surface Apple has put together one of the most cutting-edge smartphones around, imbued with a top-end camera and a really innovative feature with Touch ID. There’s only so much that smartphone manufacturers can do to differentiate these days, and while Apple can’t expect consumers to be wowed by the same shell, it can expect to get some interest in the sharp camera and gives a sense of relief with the new A7 chip. If you’re a fan of Apple’s sleek design and fast processors, the iPhone 5S won’t disappoint.

OS iOS 7 Processor Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) Memory/Storage 16/32/64 GB storage, 1 GB RAM DDR3 Screen 640 x 1136 pixels, LED-backlit IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, LTE, 100 Mbps; EV-DO Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps

PRODUCTS | top product picks

SAMSUNG Note 10.1 II If you want even more screen real estate for Web browsing or watching movies than what Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 offered, the 10.1-inch Galaxy Note might be just the thing for you. It packs a whopping 2 600 x 1 600 pixel display, a supercharged processor, Android 4.3 software and the stylus for handwriting notes, or sketching if you’re the artistic type.

It certainly is not the cheapest tablet on the market, but its vivid, super high-definition display, big helping of power and handy stylus make it a worthy investment. If you are a dedicated Android user looking for a powerful slate for work and home, it is a solid option.

OS Android OS, v4.3 (Jelly Bean) Processor Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 (LTE model)/ Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 (3G model) Memory/Storage microSD, up to 64 GB [external]; 16/32/64 GB storage, 3 GB RAM Screen 2560 x 1600 pixels, 10.1 inches, super clear LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed HSDPA, 42 Mbps (LTE model), 21 Mbps (3G model); HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE, Cat4, 50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL

this issue’s top

PRODUCTS PRODUC

LG G2 Brimming with specs that would make a discerning geek drool, the LG G2 is making waves in the smartphone world.

The screen is large and gorgeous, and because the display almost reaches out to the very edges of the device, it doesn’t feel any wider than it has to. It eats up every benchmark for breakfast, turns out great photos and dazzles with its high-resolution display. In addition, the battery life is a charm.

The most interesting thing about the G2 is its button placement. The power and volume buttons are both placed on the back, just underneath the camera. Once you are comfortable with this, the phone handles exceptionally.

OS Android OS, v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) Processor Quad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 Memory/Storage 16/32 GB, 2 GB RAM Screen 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.2 inches, True HD-IPS + LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours Data Speed HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSUPA, 21 Mbps; LTE, Cat4, 50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL/ EV-DO Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps

PROMOTION | HUAWEI

HUAWEI ENTERPRISE ICT SOLUTIONS The best innovation partner for enterprise information automation

Through their dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, Huawei have established end-to end capabilities and strengths across carrier networks and enterprise, consumer, and cloud computing businesses.

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PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS Serving you in a better way In April 2011, Huawei set up the Enterprise Business Group to leverage the historic opportunities offered by the growth in cloud computing and the convergence in the ICT industry. By relying on its powerful R&D and technical strength, Huawei Enterprise Business focuses on ICT infrastructure such as enterprise networks, enterprise wireless, network power, unified communication and collaboration, cloud computing and data centers, and enterprise information security. Together with its partners, Huawei Enterprise Business provides comprehensive and efficient ICT solutions and services to government and public sectors, finance, transportation, electrical power, energy industries, and enterprises.

4. Cloud Computing and Data Centers Make

help reduce office costs while

IT Simple, Make Business Agile

improving efficiency.

infrastructure products and solutions such

With the development of cloud computing,

6. Star Solutions Data Center Solution

as routers, switches, Wi-Fi, WLAN, network

Huawei offers customers storage, servers,

security, optical transmission, microwave,

cloud computing and data centers, and

Data center, the heart of the enterprise

PON, and network management. Through the

ICT products and solutions. Huawei also

information system, is entering the cloud era.

collaboration between different technologies,

cooperates with more than 400 partners such

In the future, data centers should be cloud-

such as network and security, wired and

as Intel, SAP, and CA, to provide IT industry

based using innovative architecture with

wireless networks, datacom and access, DCN

solutions. These solutions enable customers to

features like elastic virtualization, centralization

and storage, Huawei can help enterprise

build advanced,

and integration, flat architecture, intelligent

customers build their network infrastructure

efficient IT platforms which help them adapt to

management, trusted security, and efficiency.

platforms covering campus, branch offices,

changes in enterprise business.

Huawei’s cloud-based data center solution is

1. Enterprise Network Cloud-powered future Huawei provides a full series of network

wide area connections, and data centers,

flexible, elastic, green, secure, efficient, and

to provide comprehensive enterprise

intelligent. It can achieve the convergence of

network solutions.

traditional and new technologies, and also the

2. Enterprise Wireless Private wireless network to challenge any extreme environment Utilizing its solid background in LTE, CDMA, and GSM mobile communication technologies, Huawei provides enterprise customers broadband trunking, video surveillance, long-

It is our prediction that the next ten years will witness Huawei’s transformation from a CT vendor to an ICT leader.

integration with enterprises’ existing systems and third-party systems.

7. Star Solutions eSight Solution

As more and more ICT equipment is deployed by enterprises, the entire network can easily

distance coverage, E2E encryption, Location-

become a black box if sufficient network

Based Service (LBS), SMB solution LitePTT,

management is not in place. The cost of

GSM-R railway wireless dispatch, and high-

5. Star Solutions BYOD Solution

speed train control infrastructure solutions.

operation and maintenance, therefore, is usually higher, and there is risk of system

With the explosive growth of mobile consumer

outages which may lead to the failure of entire

3. Unified Communications and

electronic devices, the boundary between

business applications.

Collaboration Face to face while far apart

an individual’s business hours and personal time is becoming blurred, and the demand for

To help enterprises avoid such costs and risks,

Huawei’s five core products — unified

work and collaboration mobility is becoming

Huawei launched eSight. The eSight solution

communications, contact centers, converged

stronger. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) for

is the next-generation unified operation

conference, telepresence, and video

work projects has become an influential trend.

and maintenance system for the enterprise

surveillance — provide solutions that free

Huawei provides a complete BYOD solution

market. It can help companies focus on

industrial customers from geographical and

that helps customers deal with their core

business-critical applications with easy-to-use

space limitations and help to build unified and

businesses anytime, anywhere. This solution

management software that complies with ITIL

efficient teams. Familiar applications include

features advanced technologies such as

standards, and provides an integrated and

remote education, banking, offices, consultation,

cloud computing, networking, security, and

open operation and maintenance platform for

court sessions, and transportation monitoring.

collaboration-connect intelligent terminals that

enterprises and partners.

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019

SERVICES | bring your own device

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE IS YOUR COMPANY READY FOR THE MOBILE REVOLUTION? In a globally competitive business environment, enterprises can source competitive advantage through efďŹ cient cost structures and processes as well as by employing talented, productive employees.

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bring your own device | SERVICES

ne of the enablers for such business efficiency is mobile technology as it allows for increased collaboration between mobile customer and service representatives, clients and the organisation.

O

Mobile applications that provide access to enterprise CRM and ERP systems supports quicker decision making processes which contributes positively in closing sales, driving up sales performance, quicker resolution of customer issues and increased levels of customer satisfaction.

Workforce adoption and usage of such mobile applications may be significantly enhanced by allowing workers to use devices that they are familiar with and proficient at using already. While this may lower the learning curve associated with the utility aspect, it could also reduce the effort on basic device troubleshooting support required.

Bring your own device (BYOD) is an IT policy where employees are allowed or encouraged to use their personal mobile devices to access enterprise data and systems.

Allowing employees to bring their own devices could provide potential cost benefits to enterprises in reducing the efforts and costs associated with procuring, insuring and the asset depreciation of company owned devices and accessories.

In addition to this, enterprises gain from a technology refresh perspective. While employees keep up with the latest devices, the enterprise has access to the latest technology and mobile platforms.

While BYOD may present the opportunity for business efficiency and productivity enhancement, companies need to consider the following:

01. THE COST TO THE EMPLOYEE Will employees be willing to foot the cost of the devices fully now that it is being used by the enterprise?

Some employees might be unwilling to invest their own money. As mobile devices replace laptops provided by the enterprise, certain employees will expect the organisation to pay for these new devices as well.

In addition, can the enterprise leverage its ability to aggregate volumes and procure devices and accessories at more competitive prices for employees?

02. THE COST TO THE ORGANISATION What are the costs in enabling and supporting a BYOD environment?

In order to successfully adopt BYOD, the enterprise needs to have sufficient resources to manage the implementation safely.

It should be willing to set up an app for maximum control and its service desk should be able to handle the inevitable flood of support calls.

What are the risks and costs of mitigating such risks related to the securing the integrity of company information and systems, protecting customer and personal information, protection of company intellectual property?

Allowing employees to use their own devices to access company information gives rise to a number of issues that a business must answer in order to comply with its data protection obligations.

Many of these issues arise because the employee owns and to some extent maintains and supports the device. As a result, the company will have much less control over the device in comparison to a device owned by the company.

BYOD related Issues can include, ensuring that work data will not be merged with an employee’s personal data, that nonemployees, such as family members who use the device, do not access work data and, for example, what happens when an employee loses a device or resigns. In seeking to implement a BYOD solution it is important to identify business objectives and benefits as well as taking into account security, audit and data protection requirements. A multidisciplinary team should be formed to develop a co-ordinated BYOD policy, including IT, human resources and legal.

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SERVICES | bring your own device

03. THE EXTENT OF CONTROL THAT THE ORGANISATION IS WILLING BYOD ADOPTERS Organisations should stipulate in their BYOD policy how much access to information and valuable data employees should be granted.

The three options are: • Access only to non-sensitive information and systems • Access where the IT department has full control over the personal device, its functionalities applications and stored data • Session based access without the ability to store data on the device

MOBILE DEVICE MANAGEMENT Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is a policy and configuration management tool for mobile handheld devices (smartphones and tablets), and an enterprise mobile solution for securing and enabling enterprise users and content. MDM helps enterprises manage the transition to a more complex mobile computing and communications environment by supporting security, network services, and software and hardware management across multiple OS platforms and now includes laptop and ultrabooks.

This is especially important as bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives and advanced wireless computing become the focus of many enterprises.

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MDM can support corporateowned as well as personal devices and helps support a more complex and heterogeneous environment.

Internal to Altech Autopage, Autopage has adopted a simple BYOD policy where we use software-as-a-service (SaaS).

Autopage uses existing IT infrastructure to implement (SaaS) apps to support the secure and efficient roll-out of a BYOD

policy. This will maintain data privacy and ensure the security of sensitive business information while remaining compliant. The Autopage IT teams also no longer need to focus on device provisioning and maintenance.

It can instead focus on offering secure services, secure access to virtual desktops and apps, and cloud based services. Naturally, people will also take better care of their own devices and have a better understanding of its

bring your own device | SERVICES

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE

11 STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL BYOD INTEGRATION While embarking on a journey to BYOD is essentially a cost versus benefit decision as outlined above, the following serves as a guideline for the key steps in deploying and implementing a BYOD policy:

01 OBTAIN A CLEARLY DEFINED AND SIGNED OFF POLICY FOR BYOD

capabilities. Not only does this reduce the reliance on IT support, it enables organisations to set and achieve cost saving targets including reducing device procurement costs and support expenses.

Altech Autopage intends to offer South African companies a modular MDM platform where companies can build their own BYOD policies based on their own business requirements. This modular MDM platform will include features such as Device Management, Geo Location Tools, Corporate Instant Messaging, Call Recording, Device Expense Management, Mobile and Fixed Line Telephone Management Systems.

The first step in creating a BYOD policy is defining the scope of control the business expects to maintain over employee-owned devices. BYOD policy should address acceptable use of corporate IT resources on mobile devices; minimal security controls on the device; the need for company-provided components and the rights of the business to alter the device.

02. DETERMINE THE MOBILE DEVICES THAT ARE ALLOWED Organisations should determine which devices need to be supported, and if those devices are secure enough to be granted network access.

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SERVICES | bring your own device

03. DETERMINE THE OS VERSIONS THAT ARE ALLOWED Once an organisation has decided what personal devices would be allowed on their network, it needs to determine which operating system version needs to be installed. Mobile Device Management (MDM) software that users download and install on their mobile device will automatically keep devices up to date.

04. DETERMINE THE APPS THAT ARE MANDATORY / REQUIRED It is vital to determine what applications employees need to be productive, and what precautions you need to take. IT administrators can configure the MDM software to enable network access only to specified enterprise application(s), and disable access to personal applications that could carry a security risk while the user is logged in.

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bring your own device | SERVICES

05. DEFINE THE DEVICES ALLOWED

BY GROUP/EMPLOYEE According to the policy, define which devices are allowed.

06. DEFINE NETWORK ACCESS Associate users and groups with a specific network according to the policy you have defined.

07. EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES Organisations need to ensure that employees understand it the BYOD policy, as well as the reasoning behind it. They also need to understand that the policy will be enforced.

08. INVENTORY AUTHORISED & UNAUTHORIZED DEVICES Before setting up controls to enforce network access policies, an organisation needs to conduct a check to see what devices are currently on the network and who the users are. By providing an accurate view into what devices uses the network,

the inventory will help ensure the access policy is sound, and in line with employee preferences and requirements.

09. INVENTORY AUTHORISED & UNAUTHORISED USERS Inventory all users (known and unknown) who are accessing the network, and what devices they are using.

10. CONTROLLED NETWORK ACCESS BASED ON RISK POSTURE After defining above mentioned, organisations need to enforce the network access control policy. BYOD users should be given the network access they need to be productive, while providing the enterprise with acceptable security and control.

11. CONTINUOUS VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION Organisations need to continuously check for vulnerabilities and the changing needs of employees. A policy might need to be modified in order to reflect the changing needs of an organisation’s employees as well as evolving security threats. www.auto p ag e.co.za | ISS U E 3, BIZ MAGAZINE

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ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES REQUIREMENTS Fixed - Mobile Convergence Fixed Voice & Collaboration

• Unified Communications • Converged PBX (Fixed-Mobile)

Mobile Voice (GSM) Services

• Fixed calling services

• Mobile voice packages

• SIP Trunk

• Enterprise Closed User Groups

• Premise PBX

(ECUG)

• Hosted PBX

• Mobile PBX

• Teleconferencing

• Location Based Services

• Video Conferencing

• Fixed failover to GSM services

• Hosted Call Centre

• Push to talk

• Hosted Call Recording

Cloud Services

Connectivity • MPLS VPN

• Remote Access

• Date centre services

• WAN

• APN

• Security solutions

• Wireless Access

• Metro Ethernet

• Software as a Service

• Wired Access

• VSAT

• Enterprise mobile broadband

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