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Dropbox – Enterprise Saviour or Enterprise Enemy?
As a result of the increase in consumer-grade sync and sharing solutions being used within business, a huge black hole has been created when it comes to protecting and controlling corporate data.
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As a result of the increase in consumer-grade sync and sharing solutions being used within business, a huge black hole has been created when it comes to protecting and controlling corporate data.
The enterprise can take a blanket view and block the access and synchronization of these solutions with gateway technology, or even completely lock down the PC so the sync agent cannot be installed. But, the problem here is these solutions deliver significant value to the user, and subsequently the business, so that zero-tolerance policy is not always the best option.
Consumerization is driven by simple technology that can be sexy, that the users want, which actually makes the life of the normal user better. Blocking or removing these solutions, while it improves security, will upset the staff and ultimately make them less productive and flexible. On top of this, many users will just find another way to do what they originally wanted and bypass corporate policy. This is the power of consumerization. Consumer-grade apps and devices will be used when there is a need that isn’t being met by Enterprise solutions.
So what is the answer? Enterprise-grade technology could be the answer, but herein lies another problem. Often it is Enterprise technology that actually creates the need for consumer-grade apps in the first place. Enterprise solutions tend to be overly complicated, and while the Enterprise admin can configure loads of policies and rules, the normal user experience is poor—so end users won’t use it. This creates two issues: 1) wasted money on enterprise investment, and 2) reduced employee productivity and flexibility.
The reality is that there are very few offerings out there that can offer the normal user the experience they get from consumer grade solutions, like Dropbox, but with the enterprise controls that keep the IT and security group happy, and most importantly the user engaged, productive and agile.
Now here comes the shameless plug..... Trend Micro SafeSync for Business has been designed with both parties in mind: the user and the IT admin. It enables the business to give a secure and manageable way of allowing users to access, sync and share their files from any device, anywhere, combined with a user experience that end users can really appreciate. Check it out and see for yourself, and let us know what you think. We want to hear from you. www.trendmicro.com/safesyncforbusiness.
James Walker
Snr. Global Product Marketing Manager
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