The list of ‘bring your own device’ scenarios seems to be ever-growing, so we’ve put together a 3-minute briefing on the most common models.
The most important aspect to consider with BYoD planning is that there is no single model or policy that works for all businesses, or even for all of your employees. The reality is that, as with corporate-owned devices, each of your employees uses their device differently from one another, based on both their job role, and their own personal behaviour. It is also important to note that when organisations talk about ‘device’, often they are also referring to the SIM or airtime associated with the device, and this brings in a range of additional challenges in the various models.
Model 1 – BYoD (2nd Device)
The user already owns a tablet or smartphone personally, in addition to their corporate-owned mobile phone, and the user wishes to access work email, applications, and data on that device. This is most common for 2nd devices like tablets, or where the user has a personal smartphone. Typically there would be no payment to the user. This was the original BYoD model and helped businesses leverage consumer IT.
Model 2 – BYoD & SIM (Primary Device)
As smartphones have now become the default business and consumer device, it is questionable as to whether we all need to be carrying a personal and corporate smartphone. BYoD (Primary Device), either through an optional or mandatory programme, replaces the corporate device and SIM with the user’s own device. In this model, the organisation will often make a contribution towards users’ business mobile costs in the form of a monthly allowance or stipend, or the employee may reclaim mobile network costs through expenses, in accordance with an agreed usage claims policy.
Model 3 – BYoD (corporate SIM)
In this model, the employee still provides their own device, but they are also provided with a corporate SIM card in lieu of being provided with a company device – typically a smartphone or tablet as either their primary or secondary device. Often, reasonable personal use of the SIM is allowable. It is important to note, however, that if the user bought their phone from a carrier, then it will probably be locked to that carrier, and the corporate SIM may not work until the phone is unlocked and out of contract.
Model 4 – COPE (corporate-owned/personally-enabled)
In this model, IT wishes to retain a much greater control and ownership of the device and SIM, although users are enabled to access, or use, personal applications and features of the device (e.g. social media, camera functions). In effect, it’s a corporate device, but certain personal use is sanctioned and monitored.
Model 5 – Choose your own device (CYoD)
In this model, the employee is able to select from a designated list of approved devices, and depending on their employment grade may be asked to pay a ‘one time’ charge, and/or a monthly fee, for access to a premium device. The device remains on the corporate mobile network, and the employee may be required to pay for personal usage.
Model 6 – Rent your own device (RYoD)
Ok, so this is a relatively new but interesting concept that is being discussed that is a twist on CYoD. In this model the business makes available a range of premium devices (e.g. Apple iPhone 7, Samsung S8) which are provided on a rental based subscription over 24 months. The business may choose to subsidise an element of the rental to encourage BYoD, and typically the device is provided with a corporate SIM. Each 24 months the user can then simply hand back their device and upgrade to the latest technology. Supporting the model is a business level repair/swap out service, so users don’t have to personally manage repairs when things go wrong, avoiding significant down time that comes with traditional BYoD. This model also ensures the device is recycled and professionally wiped at the end of the term for added corporate security.
Think: common sense first!
Each of these models has their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential that you clearly understand the impact on your existing network contracts, budget, data usage, and employee tax liabilities, before implementing your BYOD policy. In future Utelize 3-minute briefings, we’ll look at some of the key challenges linked to BYoD in more detail.
If you have any questions about BYoD, or if you have a topic that you’d like covered in our 3-minute briefings, email us at hello@utelize.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
