BYOD looks like an unstoppable trend, as more and more people look for the convenience of their own device at work and on the go.  It’s been found to improve job satisfaction, commitment and productivity because it allows each individual to decide a key part of its contribution to business.

For example, Cisco allows their employees to use their own device and there are more than 50,000 mobile devices used in that company.  SAP implemented Genius Bars method for choosing mobile devices instead of traditional IT helpdesks.

However, there are potentially serious implications, ranging from the loss of enterprise data to erasing confidential data from a device in case it is lost. Whether it is with computers, smartphones, digital tablets, or even external hard drives, BYOD increases the risk of loss or theft of business and personal data.

SAP and NetBase released an infographic on the latest enterprise technology BYOD trends. The infographic highlights SAP Mobile’s views on BYOD including top five positive comments against top five negative comments.

The negative side of BYOD

According to the infographic, the number one fear about BYOD is liability, where one out of eight worries as who will take the responsibilities (employee or employer) in case things go wrong.

BYOD adoption would increase the cost to the company as 14 percent of respondents said the trend would burn extra costs to the organization. Nearly 15 percent are anxious about confidential data when workers lose their mobile devices.

In the classroom, 29 percent of respondents said that BYOD devices increase the chance of overwhelmed teachers, increase cheating or exacerbate the digital divide. Moreover, 30 percent said mobile devices are risk to company but can’t pinpoint a particular risk.

The positive side of BYOD

The success of BYOD is predictable for those who will choose wisely. About 13 percent said that BYOD is a great teaching tool for teachers and students.

In some cases, BYOD trends increased the salesperson sales after they started using iPads. For example, ADT doubled its sales income after its salespeople began using iPads.

In addition, 19 percent of users said mobile devices increase self and company efficiency such as approving expenses, vacation requests, and tracking real time sales performance on mobile devices, now easier than ever.

Lastly, 37 percent hail mobile devices for allowing companies go mobile without huge upfront costs.

Another survey by Juniper Networks found that despite the growth of connected devices, mobile users’ level of trust in dealing with mobile usage is uncertain.