BYO-PC: Now and Then
There’s no doubt that “bring your own device” has become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. But what happens when that device is a full sized computer?
In a recent article for CITEworld, Ryan Fass points to the range of announcements and trends that have “begun to shine a spotlight on the idea of extending BYOD to include BYO-PC and BYO-Mac options” including Moka5’s Enterprise AnyWare solution. Although trends and advancements in technology have suggested that BYO-PC will be a common industry-term in the near future, the idea of traveling with a computer has been around for a number of years. And although transporting today’s computers—like the Mac Mini, and even less common devices like Chromebooks—is relatively easy, the devices of yesterday didn’t lead themselves as well to BYO-PC.
Just consider some of these BYO-trends that didn’t happen:
BYO-iMac G3
Released in 1998, Apple’s iMac G3 is often remembered for it’s youthful candy colored aesthetic. However, at 38.1 pounds, it didn’t just look like a computer for kids, it also weighed the same amount as an average kindergartner, making BYO-iMac G3 the equivalent of lugging a kindergartner around every day. Could you do it?
BYO-TRS-80
Part of a brand associated with several desktop microcomputer lines, these relatively inexpensive computers were popular in late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Although small for the time, these computers only boasted between 4KB and 48KB of storage—for the digital storage challenged, that’s less than your 16GB iPhone. But hey, you could always pack a few floppy disks.
BYO-Ethernet cord
What good is your own computer if you can’t connect to email or other necessary job resources? Even as recently as less than ten years ago, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi enabled computers weren’t the norm, so bringing your own PC could require also bringing the Ethernet cord. No jack, you’re out of luck. Of course, some members of the workforce, like those using VPN, are still hindered by lack-of Wi-Fi connection, but that’s not really a BYO-PC issue…
BYO-Lunchbox Computer
What makes a computer portable? If it’s a handle, then you’re in luck. Known as “lunchbox portable computers” by some, these computers not only come with handles for carrying, but also can include padded carrying cases with wheels. Overkill for the office? Depends on your line of work. Next BYO-PC trend? Not likely.
Considering implementing a BYO policy that includes PCs? Find out how Moka5 can help balance employee’s demand for choice and IT’s need for centralized control.
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