BYOD trend could cost smartphone industry millions in lost revenues, says ARCchart

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend could cost the smartphone industry £26bn in lost revenues by the year 2016, according to  research conducted by consultancy firm ARCchart. The survey, which collated feedback from worldwide organisations, revealed that 65 per cent would adopt BYOD into the workplace by the end of year 2012. Only 11 per cent of global corporations have indicated no plans for BYOD  in the near future.

The majority of companies pushing forward to implement this rising trend believe that it will boost staff productivity and reduce costs.  However, the survey revealed growing concerns from companies over the risks of implementing BYOD including data protection, fragmented software and support costs.

“These changing patterns will create opportunities for industry stakeholders, especially handset makers which have not traditionally thrived in the corporate world,” says Caroline Gabrielle, the report's lead analyst. “But it will be challenging for those which have relied heavily on the enterprise segment - RIM being an example.”