There was a time when IT departments only needed to provide workers with a desktop computer and productivity software such as word processors and databases. Today, the mobile and technically savvy workforce is pushing for a diverse set of devices — like smartphones and tablet computers — and requiring a broader range of vertical and departmental applications to do their jobs.

This more heterogeneous computing environment makes it difficult for IT departments to provide the right tools to the right worker, opening the door to problems like unused software licenses and workers bringing potentially unsecure technology into the workplace. So, how do IT departments get technology provisioning right?