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.
Here are three things to consider if you are thinking about making the switch to a BYOD policy:
1. Discrepancies in pricing are common. The price one company pays versus another can vary greatly. This makes discerning fair market value very difficult and complex. Mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies are aware of this and will try to get the highest profit margin for service if you have no pricing insight. Avoid overpaying and gain leverage by benchmarking pricing before negotiations.
2. BYOD is still relatively new. Vendors are doing everything they can to recoup any losses they suffer from mass BYOD migrations. They may charge higher prices, offer lower discounts or add additional fees. You need to be fully aware of any new carrier changes to pricing or terms if you want to avoid overpaying for service.
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. Discrepancies in pricing are common. The price one company pays versus another can vary greatly. This makes discerning fair market value very difficult and complex. Mobile security vendors and mobile device management companies are aware of this and will try to get the highest profit margin for service if you have no pricing insight. Avoid overpaying and gain leverage by benchmarking pricing before negotiations.
2. BYOD is still relatively new. Vendors are doing everything they can to recoup any losses they suffer from mass BYOD migrations. They may charge higher prices, offer lower discounts or add additional fees. You need to be fully aware of any new carrier changes to pricing or terms if you want to avoid overpaying for service.
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
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