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By Info-Tech Research Group
Mobile device usage is outpacing traditional forms of computing such as desktop and laptop devices, surpassing them by 2013. Our research shows up to 30 percent of mobile devices are lost or stolen along with their corporate data and intellectual property.
Info-Tech estimates that deployment and ownership of a mobile device costs a minimum of $2,740 over three years, excluding long distance and roaming charges. However, management tools and policies surrounding mobile devices are still in the development phase and don't necessarily integrate well with other enterprise system management tools.
Saving Big on Mobile Device Voice and Data Costs is Simple
IT leaders are leaving money on the table by not getting out of the cell phone business.
- While 73 percent of enterprises surveyed are still issuing cell phones, Info-Tech recommends individual liability is the best way to reduce costs.
- Only 39 percent of enterprises Info-Tech surveyed have a corporate application deployed, one of the key factors in opting to issue a mobile device or cell phone.
- Other criteria that may dictate a corporate liability policy, such as security and compliance needs or roaming costs, play a role but for most organizations it's time to reevaluate the need to continue issuing corporate devices.
Make Users Responsible for Mobile Device Expenses
Info-Tech recommends a mobile strategy that uses an individual liable cell phone policy:
1. Users acquire their own device and plan.
- Users acquire either a plan and device of their own choosing or a plan and device recommended by IT. Any phone number used in a corporate context becomes company property.
2. The business reimburses a capped expense amount.
- IT leaders interviewed by Info-Tech indicated that they capped expense reimbursement for non-management staff at $65 to $80 per month and managers at $95 to $125 per month.
3. Minimum security requirements are a prerequisite. Employees must agree to the following policies:
1. Personal Identification Number (PIN). Users will be required to have their phones locked with a PIN. Ten incorrect PIN entries will wipe the device.
2. Remote Wipe. Users must agree that if they leave the company or lose their device, IT will remotely wipe out the content of the device.
3. Encryption. All or part of the data communicated and stored on the device must be encrypted.
However, an individual liability mobile policy will be ineffective in environments where:
- Extensive roaming or timely communication is required or expected.
- Dedicated devices for warehouse or delivery staff are required.
- Compliance needs override cost concerns.
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