The issues you need to consider before and after you acquire mobile devices
Many finance professionals are now so dependent on mobile devices that they need a special bag just to carry them around – along with cables, spare batteries, and other essential paraphernalia. It’s easy to understand why. With the aid of mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptops you can access the corporate system while you are visiting a client, take phone calls and check your e-mails while you’re at the train station, or catch up on the cricket results while you are in the garden. Some of you will be lent these items by your employer, while others will purchase them privately. Depending on which camp you fall into, the issues you need to consider before and after you acquire them will vary.
If they are official issue, choice is unlikely to be a factor. You will probably have to make do with what you are given and make sure you follow the company guidelines on use and misuse. If you are planning to buy your own mobile devices, then you will need to give some thought to the purchasing decision. The fortunate among you may be able to afford the latest and greatest version of anything and everything, but most people will find their choice limited by budget. Start by establishing how much you have to spend and then think about how you intend to use the device.
Mobile phones and smart phones offer myriad features, ranging from voice calls and texts to Internet access and applications such as word processors or spreadsheets. Devices such as the BlackBerry and Treo offer all of this plus a larger screen than found on a phone, and a touch screen keyboard. But if you want to do any serious work while you are on the move, the laptop remains your best bet. As well as offering familiar software, you can use it to log on to the Internet or connect to the corporate network (with the help of a landline, a mobile phone, or a wireless network).
If you are hoping to use your own laptop for work, don’t rush into anything and try to synchronise your laptop with the corporate system. Organisations are increasingly likely to discourage the use of personal mobile devices, for a number of reasons, ranging from security to productivity. So it’s a good idea to check company policy on this, and then if you do get the OK, talk to the IT department to make sure there aren’t any technical issues you need to be aware of.
Last, but not least, you also need to think about what would happen if your personal smart phone, PDA, or laptop is lost, damaged, or stolen while you are working. Find out if your employer’s insurance includes cover for personal possessions, or if your personal policy provides cover for business use. Without either, it may be best to save your money and wait until your employer decides to provide you with corporate mobile devices.