Skip to main content

Mobile Assets Deployment

Updated Jan 30, 2024 ·

BYOD​

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies allow employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, providing flexibility and convenience while posing unique security and management challenges.

  • Employee Flexibility

    • Increases employee satisfaction by allowing the use of preferred devices.
    • Reduces the learning curve associated with new technology.

  • Cost Savings

    • Lowers hardware costs for the organization.
    • Shifts maintenance and upgrade responsibilities to employees.

  • Drawbacks

    • Raises concerns about data security and privacy.
    • Employees own and control the security of their devices.
    • Requires robust security policies and mobile device management (MDM) solutions.

COPE​

Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) policies provide employees with company-owned devices that they can also use for personal purposes, balancing control and flexibility.

  • IT Control

    • Ensures devices are pre-configured with necessary security measures.
    • Facilitates easier enforcement of security policies and updates.
    • Organization has better control over device configuration and data access.
    • Simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

  • Drawbacks

    • Requires higher initial investment in devices and maintenance.
    • Potentially reduces costs associated with security breaches and data loss.
    • Concerns on the employee's privacy, since the organization has full access to corporate-owned device.

CYOD​

Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) policies allow employees to select from a range of pre-approved devices, combining personal preference with organizational control and security.

  • Device Selection and Maintainance Support

    • Offers a choice of devices within a controlled list.
    • Balances employee preference with organizational standards.
    • Simplifies IT support with a standardized range of devices.
    • Ensures devices receive timely updates and maintenance.

  • Drawbacks

    • Higher initial costs for the organization.
    • Raises employee data privacy concerns.
    • Employees need to carry multiple mobile devices.

Considerations​

1. Costs​

  • Initial Investment

    • Evaluate the upfront costs for purchasing devices (COPE, CYOD).
    • Consider potential savings with BYOD due to reduced hardware expenses.

  • Maintenance and Support

    • Factor in ongoing maintenance and support costs.
    • Assess potential savings from reduced IT support with standardized devices (CYOD, COPE).

  • Reimbursement

    • Determine policies for reimbursing employees for personal device use (BYOD).
    • Analyze cost-sharing arrangements for device purchase and data plans.

2. Security​

  • Data Protection

  • Access Control

    • Ensure proper authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place.
    • Restrict access to sensitive data based on device compliance.

  • Compliance

    • Ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards.
    • Regularly audit and update security policies to address emerging threats.

3. Employee Satisfaction​

  • Flexibility
    • Offer employees the flexibility to choose or use their preferred devices.
    • Improve work-life balance with the convenience of a single device for personal and professional use.
  • Device Familiarity
    • Reduce the learning curve by allowing employees to use familiar devices.
    • Increase productivity with devices that employees are comfortable using.
  • Support and Resources
    • Provide adequate support and resources for troubleshooting and device management.
    • Ensure clear communication of policies and expectations regarding device use.