Press releases
Microsoft’s new tablet: security risks and BYOD rise to the Surface
Ahead of the planned release of the Microsoft Surface tablet on October 26th, independent IT security service provider SecureData has carried out a research survey looking at IT managers’ plans for rolling out the device across UK businesses.
SecureData commissioned the survey with Vanson Bourne which asked 100 senior IT managers in large UK enterprises (more than 1,000 employees) across the financial services, manufacturing, retail, distribution/transport and other commercial sectors.
The survey revealed some notable results, including:
- 84% of respondents believe the most attractive feature of the Surface is that it is capable of running regular Windows application
- 44% of respondents believe that the Surface will be easier to adopt across their organisations compared to other devices due to the Windows 8 operating syste
- 12% of respondents believe the Surface and Windows 8 combination will be a major IT security threat to the enterprise
- 32% of respondents would recommend that their organisation rolls out the Surface (64GB/12GB version) over the next two years. However, the majority (40%) would rather see the iPad 3rd generation or other laptops rolled out instead.
SecureData carried out this research in order to establish the trends of the most common operating systems and devices within large corporations so as to ensure it can continue CIOs facing the challenges of new consumerised devices entering the workplace.
Alan Carter, Solutions Consultant at SecureData says:
“For CIOs already charged with the task of ensuring compliance and secure remote access and wireless connections for employees own devices, it seems clear why these respondents would appreciate the Surface’s software compatibility with existing company technology and software systems.
“The study carried out by SecureData reveals that there is still a great deal of concern over BYOD schemes and that the relationship between businesses and their employees still needs greater input from both parties to ensure secure working. Thanks to its Microsoft Office technology, the Surface will most likely have more of a seamless transition into its use in a professional capacity, but a great deal of work will still need to be done to the policies and frameworks of internal BYOD schemes. It is vital for companies to have tailored solutions that consider every eventuality.”
To download the full report please click here.