Consumerization of Information Technology: Drivers, Benefits and Challenges for New Zealand Corporates

Abstract

Consumerization of Information Technology (IT) is a trend where people bring in personal technologies to work. This research reports on the state of this trend in corporate New Zealand (NZ) and concentrates on three areas, its drivers, benefits and challenges. In a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews and a focus group discussion. The responses reveal that the corporate challenges of consumerization exceed the benefits, and not many complete and affordable solutions for the businesses are available. Most important risks identified are around protecting sensitive corporate information and meeting legal obligations. Recent economic downturn is a further contributory factor affecting the budgetary and resource decisions at the workplace. The research observed the trade and market-research journals, exhibitions, and seminars, are supporting and influencing IT decision makers on their constant lookout for latest developments in this area. As the responses were not bound by set questionnaires, a large number of unique viewpoints were elicited through the research, which does not appear in existing publications. The study also finds consumerization in NZ is at an early stage, and little research has been done on it.