An analysis of mobile phone usage in the U.S. found that 83 percent of adults own a mobile phone of some kind. Aside from calling and texting, the report found that more people are using their device to find information quickly. With this in mind, enterprises deploying smartphones across the company must be careful to define uses for company-owned devices.

Using mobile device management solutions has enabled companies to gauge the expense mobility imposes more accurately. However, based on Pew results, the possibility of employees using more data than they're allotted and costing their company more money is very real.

According to the report, more than 50 percent of mobile phone owners use their device to access information. Moreover, 42 percent use their device to avoid boredom while waiting or in other circumstances.

While it's clear businesses need to improve their mobile capability to excel in the modern enterprise landscape, it's critical that they take steps to monitor and control their employees' mobile usage. As smartphone use becomes more common - Pew found 35 percent of adults own a smartphone - it's even more important to clarify guidelines for using company-owned phones.

The consumerization of enterprise mobility has presented a bit of a tradeoff for IT administrators and others charged with managing deployments. While employees are paying for their own smartphone use, questions of security become even more important. Since devices will connect to email and other applications containing enterprise data, employees must exercise caution with their devices.

Mobile experts have developed best practices for users to avoid opening themselves to mobile malware. Among the most important considerations is to avoid downloading applications, plug-ins or other items from unknown developers. Most apps come with reviews from other users and will provide information regarding the safety of the app.

To avoid such issues, many businesses have refused to allow consumer-owned devices to connect to enterprise mobile apps. However, forcing someone to carry two devices can be problematic. Additionally, allowing employees to work on the device they're most comfortable with can improve productivity, which is ultimately the best feature of enterprise mobility plans.

A recent report from Forbes demonstrated that the enterprise mobility and mobile device management solutions are no longer features companies can operate without. Carefully analyzing the needs within an organization and making a decision for an MDM solution based solely on that information will ensure initiatives succeed.