BYOD - Is It Right for Your Business?
Many enterprises have recently switched or considered switching to a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. This trend continues to grow due to the many potential cost benefits BYOD offers. But not everyone is on board. Some experts believe that going back to corporate-owned device policy makes more sense financially and that BYOD will soon be on the decline.
When you examine it more carefully, it is clear that BYOD has both pros and cons. Many companies only think about the benefits and are caught off guard when unexpected costs arise. One big one is the loss of volume discounts when large numbers of users are removed from corporate plans. Others include early termination fees and additional security costs to safeguard company info on employee-owned devices. If you don't manage these costs effectively, they can easily cancel out any BYOD cost savings.
Here are three things to consider if you are thinking about making the switch to a BYOD policy:
1. Pricing and terms are inconsistent. If you are unsure about what fair market pricing value is, you will overpay. And mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies are ready to take advantage. Always benchmark pricing or consult with an expert if you need help understanding fair pricing and terms. Vendors often charge very different prices for the same products and services so it can be a very difficult and confusing task.
2. BYOD is new technology. This means that vendors and carriers will try to find ways to make up for any losses they face when enterprises move large numbers of users from their plans. To lessen the impact, they may introduce new fees, lower or eliminate discounts, or charge higher prices. Make sure you stay on top of any new provider changes that could negatively affect your costs.
3.Very few organizations are 100 percent BYOD. The majority use a combination of corporate device and individual devices users, which means that they are not completely free of carrier and vendor contracts. If this is your situation, you probably now have less leverage in regards to negotiations with these providers, so the contracts and costs must be managed very carefully with your long-term goals in mind.
When you examine it more carefully, it is clear that BYOD has both pros and cons. Many companies only think about the benefits and are caught off guard when unexpected costs arise. One big one is the loss of volume discounts when large numbers of users are removed from corporate plans. Others include early termination fees and additional security costs to safeguard company info on employee-owned devices. If you don't manage these costs effectively, they can easily cancel out any BYOD cost savings.
Here are three things to consider if you are thinking about making the switch to a BYOD policy:
1. Pricing and terms are inconsistent. If you are unsure about what fair market pricing value is, you will overpay. And mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies are ready to take advantage. Always benchmark pricing or consult with an expert if you need help understanding fair pricing and terms. Vendors often charge very different prices for the same products and services so it can be a very difficult and confusing task.
2. BYOD is new technology. This means that vendors and carriers will try to find ways to make up for any losses they face when enterprises move large numbers of users from their plans. To lessen the impact, they may introduce new fees, lower or eliminate discounts, or charge higher prices. Make sure you stay on top of any new provider changes that could negatively affect your costs.
3.Very few organizations are 100 percent BYOD. The majority use a combination of corporate device and individual devices users, which means that they are not completely free of carrier and vendor contracts. If this is your situation, you probably now have less leverage in regards to negotiations with these providers, so the contracts and costs must be managed very carefully with your long-term goals in mind.
About the Author:
Joseph B. Kappernick specializes in helping Fortune 500 companies save money. He recommends that you visit NPI Financial to learn more about telecom cost management service