The proliferation of powerful consumer devices, ubiquitous services and easy-to-use applications has created radical changes in workplace technology. Analysts and media commentators have called this trend the “consumerization of IT,” and like many hot technology trends, certain misconceptions have emerged. 

A new global Avanade survey challenges six commonly held myths regarding the consumerization of IT from executive-level strategy, to “Millennial” usage, to preferred device brands and major factors driving the trend:

Myth 1: Businesses are resisting the consumerization of IT

There has been a misconception that companies are hesitant to embrace consumer technologies in the workplace. However, this is not the case.

Almost three quarters of Singaporean (72%) and Australian (67%) companies are already adapting their IT infrastructure to accommodate the influx of personal devices. From large enterprises to small companies in every industry surveyed, the research found sweeping adoption rates of personal computing technologies in the workplace.

Myth 2: Companies don’t have the IT resources to manage the consumerization of IT

Despite perceptions that companies are struggling to manage the consumerization of IT, research shows businesses already have the necessary IT infrastructure and support in place.

The majority of C-level executives (91%) and IT decision makers (75%) said they have the requisite IT staff and resources needed to manage the use of consumer technologies. On average, Australia and Singapore executives are allocating 27% of their IT budgets to manage some aspect of the consumerization of IT, and the majority (62% in Australia, 94% in Singapore) plan to make new investments within the next 12 months.

Myth 3: The need to attract and keep millennials is driving the consumerization of IT

As the Millennial generation floods the workforce, much has been made of the need for companies to adjust corporate policy to accommodate this younger, technologically savvy generation.

However, according to executives, the consumerization of IT has less to do with a specific employee demographic and more to do with the changes in the way employees work. In fact, executives prioritized productivity and anywhere access as key benefits of consumerization of IT over improved employee morale and providing greater responsibilities to younger employees.

Myth 4: Personal devices in the workplace are used for checking e-mail, browsing Facebook

We have witnessed a dramatic shift in the way in which employees are using personal devices at work. While browsing e-mail and social networking sites are still the primary uses for personal devices, employees are now accessing mission-critical enterprise applications on their personal devices, including customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and time and expense tracking applications.

Myth 5: Apple = Consumerization of IT

Across media and industry discussions, iPhones and iPads have become synonymous with the consumerization of IT. While research shows Apple is indeed a factor, it is far from alone in driving the trend.