Time to get smart about smartphones

When PCs were becoming serious business tools, IT managers let pundits, analysts and the media steer the conversation. This time, IT needs a seat at the table. Companies like RIM and Microsoft know how to play that game. But Apple and Google may not make IT issues a priority. It's up to IT to make sure they see the importance of it.

IT shops that start working out solutions to mobile problems will avoid the pitfalls. Clamping down on smartphones is not the way to go. You're not likely to thwart the will of your entire user base. Embrace the inevitable, but institute policies and processes that protect your enterprise. Becoming informed about how devices are being used is probably Step 1.

I'm interested in how different IT shops are handling this issue, so please drop me an e-mail and let me know how it's done at your company.

Scot Finnie is Computerworld's editor in chief. You can catch him on Twitter, where he tweets as @scotfinnie, or you can e-mail him at sfinnie@computerworld.com.