Many IT Execs are faced with choices of BYOD, CYOD COPE,  etc etc etc.   Deciphering the best way to put wireless devices in employee’s hands is a tough call.  Additionally, none of the information is simple and all parties involved can get very judgey about the right course of actions.

We’ll have a 4 part series looking at the key issues of equipping employees.  (Part 1 can be seen here).  This Part 2 reviews equipment options and how to make equipment ownership choices.

PART 2:  DECIDE WHO OWNS THE EQUIPMENT

If Corporate Equipment Ownership: 

The Corporation will have much more control over cost, maintenance and security with this choice.  The downside is that management of the cost and the maintenance of the device is the corporation’s responsibility and requires management for optimal usage.

Corporately owned device management, however, may likely outweigh the risk of having corporate information unsecured on employee devices or having viruses potentially glombing onto the corporate network due to unsecured employee devices.

If Individual Equipment Ownership:

Here, the corporation will not have a cost for equipment and while maintenance and security will be outsourced to the individual, the downside is the individual may not be tech savvy enough to keep a device working properly.  The employee may also take corporate time to upgrade, fix or maintain their device thereby decreasing productivity.  There may be a tradeoff in increase in productivity by letting users use devices with which they are most familiar.  BYOD may result in happier employees and increased productivity as employees who can choose their own device are reported to gain an average of 37 minutes of productive time per week.

If employees are going to purchase on equipment on their own, the users should purchase through their own methods (personal credit card, etc.).  Additionally, if the Company is not purchasing the equipment, this option more expensive for the corporation because the individual cannot use economies of scale to receive lower corporate pricing.

Managed Approach Compromise as Preferred Option

A compromise is also to use a managed approach.  The company provides users a few pre-approved devices from which to choose (e.g. one iPhone and one Android offering).  So, while the corporation pays for, maintains and secures the device, the employee is comfortable with the equipment platform.  This has been the overwhelming choice of organizations as it combines the best functionalities from each options.

Important Additional Consideration:  Set a Policy:  Use the below considerations to set guidelines

No matter which choice is made, it is imperative to have an exhaustive policy in writing which makes sure the employee understands the process and signs agreement.  The policy should include:

1. How the employee will obtain equipment
2. Who buys the equipment
3. Who is supporting the device – define narrowly to avoid confusion
4. How is corporate device information secured?
5. What policies for security are in place for device (lock required etc)
6. What happens if the equipment is lost, stolen or needs repairs
7. What happens with software on the device and who maintains it? Viewing personal information on a device may be considered a breach of privacy
8. What security requirements will be required on the device itself?
9. What security requirements will be required for the device to access the corporate network?
10. What Apps will be allowed on the device? (Netflix sure sucks up the data)
11. What happens when the employee leaves? (who wipes corporate information from device?)

Stay Tuned for Part III — who pays the monthly bill…..COMING SOON…..

Still Protecting Your Wireless Rights……Especially for Bob today