Cisco's Ng suggested companies gather real-time 'contextual' information from networks, users, and devices that allow them to make proactive governance decisions by tying identity to various network elements including access switches, WLAN controllers, VPN gateways, and datacenter switches.

For instance, when contextual information indicates that a user belongs to a certain unit, the network allows him/her to access data needed for work but bans access to confidential data and data from other units.

Despite reports of easier support by some firms, devices will continue to proliferate and may tax support resources.

To make support for multiple devices and OSs easier, Gartner's Chuang suggested companies consider a tiered framework and approach. He said devices fall into three categories in terms of support.