Making Sense of Mobile Device Deployment Trends
With the rise of smart devices such as phones and tablets entering the workplace and connecting to corporate networks, there are a number of approaches to help you embrace the trend and protect your network. The only problem is acronyms such as BYOD, CYOD and COPE don’t actually make it easy to decide the right option for your business.
In this article I’ll try to clear the fog around the topic so you can make an informed decision on how to take your organisation forward.
What is Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)?
As the name implies Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) gives your employees the freedom to use personal devices for work purposes. Connecting the devices to the corporate network and in some cases reimbursing any service plan costs involved.
The pros and cons of BYOD:
Pros
- Employee familiarity with the device
- Single device for work and personal use
- Employee is responsible for maintenance costs
Cons
- Potential security breaches and exposed company data
- Administrative costs and time consuming with ongoing maintenance
What is Choose Your Own Device (CYOD)?
Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) is ideal for organisations who don’t want employees connecting personal devices to IT infrastructures. Instead you can offer a range of pre-approved devices to your employees to use.
The pros and cons of CYOD:
Pros
- Easier to control security and devices
- Easier to wipe confidential data if device is lost or stolen
Cons
- Initial outlay for the devices
- Restricted range may not appeal to staff, who may end up bringing in another device anyway
What is Company Owned Personally Enabled (COPE)?
Company Owned Personally Enabled (COPE) is viewed by many businesses as the complete solution, where cost effectiveness meets security. You choose what applications are pre-loaded to support your staff. Plus, you control your firewall and how data is used.
COPE is a flexible solution for employees who can choose their own device and still have the facility for personal messages, phones calls and emails.
So what now?
If security and administration is not a significant concern then BYOD could be your ideal solution. However if you have any form of concern about the safety or management of your information we would definitely recommend choosing a CYOD or COPE mobile device strategy.
Whatever mobile device strategy you choose to move forward with, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution will help you to secure, monitor and manage your fleet of mobile devices, making it easier to implement policies and security measures to prevent data loss or security breaches.
Contact us for advice on your mobile device strategy
Related blogs:
4 top tips for embracing CYOD across your organisation
The risks of WYOD in the workplace
