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Businesses today need to innovate and adapt to stay ahead.
Employees use many devices (corporate-owned and BYOD) and companies support different systems. The IT industry is changing at a rapid speed.
Mobility and flexibility are often seen as key benefits of this new era but many businesses ignore a key risk: outdated device management systems.
In modern business, there’s no room for outdated device management systems.Today, employees use many devices (corporate-owned and BYOD), companies support a variety of different systems, and mobility and flexibility are often seen as key benefits to productivity.
At first glance, everything may seem to be running smoothly. Employees have the freedom to use their own devices, collaboration tools are at their peak, and businesses are moving at a higher velocity than ever.
But behind this seamless operation lurks a critical issue: device management.
Specifically, the systems in place to manage multiple devices and operating systems were often designed for a simpler time, and they’re struggling to keep up in 2025.
The Real Problem: Legacy Device Management Tools
A decade ago, the world of device management was relatively simple.
Employees had a single device, typically a company-issued laptop or desktop, and the organization ran on one operating system. Security was straightforward, as the devices could all be standardized and easily controlled.
But today, businesses are running a much more complex operation: employees use a mix of personal smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even smartwatches, all running on different operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux).
Most of the device management solutions that businesses still rely on today were designed for a much more uniform environment. While many have evolved to incorporate multiple operating systems and use cases, they still carry the baggage of their past. This creates a major pain point for IT teams trying to integrate devices, enforce policies, and ensure security across diverse platforms.
The result?
A disjointed, frustrating experience that feels more like trying to play a few rounds of Tetris—where the pieces don’t fit, but you have to make them work.
The Risks of Staying Behind: Why Inaction Is Not an Option
It’s easy to think that if your device management system seems to be working today, you’re in the clear. However, leaving outdated systems in place is like ignoring a slow leak in a ship. The problem might not be visible at first, but it will eventually sink you.
According to JumpCloud’s SME IT Trends Report, over 60% of IT leaders cited the management of multiple devices and operating systems as difficult, with Windows at 23%, followed by macOS and Linux at 19% and 14% respectively.
Here’s why this issue isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a ticking time bomb for your business:
1. Security Gaps: Your Data Is at Risk
As your devices become more varied, so too do the potential vulnerabilities.
Different operating systems, each with their own security requirements, are often difficult to monitor and protect using outdated systems. Security patches may not be deployed uniformly across devices, and critical vulnerabilities may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The 2025 Checkpoint Security Report predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This escalating threat landscape means that if your device management system can’t consistently enforce security protocols across all devices, your company is at risk of breaches that could expose sensitive data or disrupt business operations.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that employees are using personal devices for work, increasing the potential for security lapses. When employees bring their own devices (BYOD), they expect a balance between security and privacy. Fail to provide that, and you could see trust erode quickly, leaving your business vulnerable to data theft, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
2. Compliance Nightmares: Avoid Costly Penalties
In 2024, compliance was more than just a buzzword—it was a mandate.
Regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA are becoming more stringent, and businesses are expected to be fully accountable for the security and privacy of user data.
However, if your device management system cannot enforce consistent security policies across the board—especially in multi-OS environments—you may unknowingly be in violation of these laws.
The 2024 JumpCloud IT Trends Report notes that India reports the highest shift toward compliance and regulation, with 83% reporting additional compliance and regulation requirements.
3. The Shadow IT Problem: When Employees Find Their Own Solutions
If your device management solution is clunky, restrictive, or hard to use, employees will find ways around it.
Enter shadow IT—employees using unauthorized devices, software, or cloud services because the official systems are too slow or complicated. This creates major security risks because these unsanctioned tools aren’t vetted by your IT department and may not adhere to your security standards.
This widespread practice is confirmed by a recent JumpCloud report, which found that over 60% of employees use unsanctioned tools at work. From personal cloud storage to unauthorized app installations, shadow IT can quietly undermine your security posture.
The worst part?
It can go undetected until it’s too late—when a breach occurs, and you realize the source was something you didn’t even know was part of your network.
4. Employee Discontent: Privacy and Trust Issues
In the age of data privacy concerns, employees are increasingly protective of their personal information.
Many are wary of BYOD policies that lack transparency around how their personal data will be handled. If your device management system doesn’t prioritize user privacy, employees may hesitate to comply with BYOD programs, leading to lower adoption rates, dissatisfaction, and eventually higher turnover.
A 2024 study by Ponemon Institute found that 45% of employees would reconsider participating in BYOD programs if they didn’t trust the security measures in place. Not only does this affect employee morale, but it can also create a fragmented tech ecosystem where some employees use company-issued devices, while others struggle with personal devices that don’t align with corporate standards.
5. Wasted Resources: The Hidden Cost of Inefficiency
Outdated device management systems don’t just create security and compliance risks; they also drain valuable IT resources.
When IT teams are constantly firefighting issues related to incompatible devices, inconsistent policies, and shadow IT workarounds, they have less time to focus on strategic initiatives. This inefficiency translates to wasted time, money, and manpower.
Modern device management solutions, on the other hand, streamline processes, automate tasks, and provide centralized visibility. This frees up IT staff to focus on higher-value activities, improving overall productivity and contributing to the organization’s bottom line.
In 2025, robust, modern device management is no longer optional—it’s essential.
By prioritizing security, compliance, and employee experience, businesses can mitigate risks and empower their teams. Investing in a modern device management solution is an investment in your organization’s future. Don’t wait for problems to escalate. The time to act is now.
Ready to learn more about building a future-proof device management strategy? Download Device Management is a Losing Battle today!
Get a deep dive into the core device management challenges IT teams are facing today and learn how to tackle them head-on.
