At Standard Chartered, the bank also uses the device's security functions--Schofield said it's mandatory for all iPhone-users to switch on the passcode-lock function (a best practice for all iPhone-owners).

"We use the encryption that's built into iOS devices and use our Exchange servers to force policies to enable remote wipe and allow access to our internal systems," said Schofield. He said VPN connection is also required before employees can access internal corporate systems or mobile apps.

Other precautions for the corporate iPhones: jailbreaking is disallowed, sensitive data is stored in the cloud and users may not install iTunes to download external applications.

Another challenge for enabling mobility is the control of application-performance. Compuware's International CIO study conducted last September surveyed more than 500 IT executives--64% of them stated it is almost impossible to provide support for employee's mobility. The study indicated that reliance on external networks is making it harder for IT to control performance and end-user experience.