BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has been predicted to be one of the top technology trends for 2013 and many continue to sing it's praises based on the potential cost savings it offers. While many agree that BYOD have huge advantages for enterprises, there are some that feel differently. Opponents of BYOD say that going back to corporate -owned devices and plans is the better financial decision.
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.
If you are considering the transition to a BYOD or partial BYOD policy, here are a few things you should know first:
1. Price disparity is everywhere. Mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies know that demand is high for new BYOD policies and that many companies don't know what fair market value is for these services. The price you pay is likely very different than the price another company pays - for identical services. Make sure you don't get taken advantage of. Benchmark pricing before you start negotiations.
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. Not many businesses adopt a full BYOD policy. Most find that a hybrid of corporate devices and individual devices works best. Unfortunately, a hybrid policy ensures that you still have to manage and negotiate carrier and vendor contracts, and with less leverage than before. Always keep your long-trm BYOD goals in mind when forming your management and contracting strategy so that cost savings are maximized.
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.
If you are considering the transition to a BYOD or partial BYOD policy, here are a few things you should know first:
1. Price disparity is everywhere. Mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies know that demand is high for new BYOD policies and that many companies don't know what fair market value is for these services. The price you pay is likely very different than the price another company pays - for identical services. Make sure you don't get taken advantage of. Benchmark pricing before you start negotiations.
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. Not many businesses adopt a full BYOD policy. Most find that a hybrid of corporate devices and individual devices works best. Unfortunately, a hybrid policy ensures that you still have to manage and negotiate carrier and vendor contracts, and with less leverage than before. Always keep your long-trm BYOD goals in mind when forming your management and contracting strategy so that cost savings are maximized.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment