With mobile devices playing a critical role in today’s business environment, it's essential to have a plan for managing them effectively. However, this decision often involves some tough choices. One of the biggest considerations is whether your business should invest in employee mobility by providing devices or require employees to use their own. In today’s blog, we’ll explore two common mobile management strategies: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE).

Understanding Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) refers to both the process of managing mobile devices within your business and the software used to do so. Since most employees now use smartphones, whether you provide devices or they use their own, MDM software helps manage how these devices interact with your network. Let’s dive into the two primary strategies for mobile device management.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a strategy where employees use their personal devices for work purposes. This approach offers several benefits, including:

• Convenience: Employees can access company resources from devices they’re already familiar with.
• Increased Productivity: The flexibility of using personal devices can boost employee productivity.
• Employee Satisfaction: Allowing the use of personal devices often scores well with employees, as it offers them more flexibility.

However, organizations implementing BYOD must ensure robust data security measures are in place to protect sensitive information, especially with a significant portion of the workforce now working remotely (~12.2% fully remote; ~28% part-time).

Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE)

In contrast to BYOD, Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) is a strategy where the organization provides the mobile devices for employees. This approach offers:

• Control: The company retains full control over how the devices are used, ensuring compliance with security policies.
• Security: Organizations can manage device configurations, enforce access and authentication protocols, and ensure all devices meet security standards.
• Consistency: With COPE, all devices are uniform, making it easier to manage and support them across the company.

While COPE offers greater control and security, it also comes with higher costs, as the business is responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and securing the hardware and software.

Which Strategy is Right for You?

Both BYOD and COPE have their advantages and challenges. The right choice depends on your organization’s specific needs, budget, and priorities.

No matter which system you choose, the IT professionals at InTegriLogic Corp. can help you deploy an effective mobile management platform that enhances employee productivity while ensuring security. For more information, call us today at 520-545-0691.

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