Using personal devices with work data

Many colleagues like to use their own devices to access work data. It can save carrying two phones, for example, or you can watch Netflix on your iPad on a flight but access email and documents when you get to the meeting.

Mixing business and personal apps on devices used to be tricky. Businesses want to ensure their data is safe, but users don't want a business 'taking over' their devices. Microsoft Intune resolves this problem by segregating business and personal data allowing flexible working for colleagues.

"Intune allows users to access business data on any device providing that device meets the requirements set out in the company's Intune policies," explains Chris Joberns, Managing Director at Strident. "These can be highly detailed or quite basic depending on the needs."

Two different approaches

Intune allows colleagues to use their own device via two different approaches. The first is to set basic rules that must be met in order to access the data. For example, phones must have a security pin set, or the apps must be the latest version.

If a user tries to access email, Intune at Microsoft will recognise this and inform the user to use the latest version of Outlook. It is down to the user to fix the problems and download the necessary apps.

The second approach is more comprehensive. Intune recognises that a user is accessing the company data and, assuming the device meets the security standards, will download and configure all the necessary apps for that user. This can include any app on the app store, not just Microsoft Office apps.

"The second approach is the easiest for everyone. A business can push out a consistent set of apps and it saves users having to find the right apps and set them up," says Chris.

Transparent security

Apple, Google and Microsoft have all put trust and security high on their list of priorities. With that in mind, the Intune Portal app on any device will tell the user what resources can and can't be accessed and what the IT department can and can't do.

"At Strident, our policies prevent us from accessing a user's pictures, for example, but we can remove all the business apps and data without affecting the user's personal apps. It's important that business is clear about what it can and can't do and we recommend this should be documented," says Chris.

As flexible working becomes more and more common, Microsoft Intune will become essential in managing access to company data easily and effectively. As Microsoft Gold Partners, Strident have proven expertise in delivering a modern flexible working IT infrastructure for your business. To find out more, contact us on 01473 835 280.