Networks First goes for BYOD gold

Firm set to launch app that helps mid-market customers control their BYOD strategy

Networks First is capitalising on the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend as it bolsters its managed services offering.

Fresh on the back of a recent acquisition of mobile software development firm Toffa, Networks First has launched an iPad app, aimed at mid-market firms, called Let Me In, which offers wraparound services tailored to individual business' strategies for BYOD.

Sara Gemmel, managing director of Networks First, said: "Many IT managers and directors have already locked down their networks and are not keen on embracing a BYOD strategy, although often the directors of these companies have iPads and smartphones that they want their IT manager to include on the company network. It is almost a ‘one rule for them' policy, which does not sit well with employees.

"'Let Me In has a portal built into it. Customers basically load their BYOD policy onto the portal and it controls what employees can access on their devices. It educates employees in a way that is more user friendly," she said.

Gemmel said that firms have to place a lot more trust in their employees.

"The emphasis is now very much on individual responsibility," she added. "Employees have to understand that if they leave their devices lying around, we have the ability to wipe all the information, and this includes personal things such as photos and contacts.

"Businesses cannot keep putting their heads in the sand over BYOD - it is very much user driven, particularly when the next generation gets into the workplace."

She said Networks First had already started trialling the app - which costs 69p from the Apple Store - with a few of its existing reseller partners, and was hoping to bring it out to the wider market over the summer months.