COBO, short for Corporately Owned, Business Only, is a device management model where the company owns and controls the devices used specifically for business purposes. In this model, the equipment is considered a corporate asset and is to be used strictly for conducting business. Users are prohibited from downloading applications for personal use, and the enterprise is responsible for procuring, provisioning, securing, and monitoring the devices.
Two Common Management Approaches in COBO Model
There are two common management approaches in the COBO model:
- Corporately Owned, Business Only is suitable for devices that are used exclusively for business purposes and remain the property of the company.
- Corporately Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) is suitable when personal use is also permitted.
The COBO model goes a step further than COPE by prohibiting personal use of the device. COBO devices are typically in the form of kiosk tablets, zoom room controllers, and other devices used by the company as a whole, not by individuals. However, it is possible for individuals to own COBO devices, such as a company-issued smartphone, whose policies prohibit personal use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of COBO Model
COBO devices, while great for organizational security and productivity monitoring, significantly limit users and take away the ability to use a single device for work and personal purposes. However, the COBO model is an appropriate solution for organizations that want to improve security and compliance and/or for organizations that are unable to separate personal and professional data. The company has complete control over the devices and the applications used, and can ensure the highest possible level of security. The significantly simpler procurement, administration, and support are also important advantages for the company in this model.
FAQs
What is COBO?
COBO stands for Corporately Owned, Business Only, which is a device management model where the company owns and controls the devices used specifically for business purposes. Users are prohibited from downloading applications for personal use, and the enterprise is responsible for procuring, provisioning, securing, and monitoring the devices.
What is the difference between COBO and COPE?
COBO and COPE are both device management models used by companies. The main difference between COBO and COPE is that COBO prohibits personal use of the device, while COPE allows personal use alongside business use.
What are the advantages of the COBO model?
The primary advantages of the COBO model are improved security and compliance, complete control over the devices and the applications used, and simpler procurement, administration, and support processes.
Conclusion
The COBO model is an appropriate solution for companies that want to improve security, compliance, and productivity monitoring in their organization. While it restricts personal use and limits flexibility for employees, it ensures the highest level of security and control for the company.
