Corporate versus personal liability for mobile devices in the workplace

The explosive growth in personal smartphones and tablets has created a strong demand to use personal devices at work. IT management must consider the needs and goals of the business, and carefully weigh the costs and benefits of allowing personally-owned devices as part of an overall mobility strategy. With the consumerization of the mobile device market, the historical approach of providing employees with locked down devices with a two-year refresh cycle may not be the best solution for organizations and their employees.

Many organizations are debating the costs and benefits of allowing employees to use personally-owned devices for business needs. While reduced costs and increased employee morale are popular arguments, organizations must consider hidden costs and corporate governance issues. These concerns must be balanced with opportunities for enhanced productivity and improved employee morale when employees select a mobile device of their own preference.