Company-owned-device

A company-owned device (COD) is a device owned by a company that is made available to an employee for professional use. This includes smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are fully financed, provided, and managed by the company. Such devices are typically optimized for professional use and are governed by clearly defined company guidelines.

One of the key advantages of COD is that it provides complete control over the devices being deployed. Companies can centrally define security policies and usage restrictions to ensure compliance with data protection and security standards. At the same time, organizations can configure all necessary apps and settings before handing the devices over to employees, ensuring they are ready for immediate use. This central control also significantly simplifies the remote maintenance of devices.

COD differs significantly from BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), as the company assumes full financial and technical responsibility for the device. This ensures greater security for the organization, as only company-approved systems and applications are allowed. Unwanted private use or the installation of unsafe software can be prevented through device restrictions. Additionally, companies can remotely lock or reset devices in case of loss or theft, protecting sensitive data.

The use of company-owned devices is particularly common in security-critical industries such as healthcare or finance. In these sectors, it is essential to centrally control all data and access. COD systems also offer technical advantages: companies can automate updates, maintenance, and policies, reducing the workload for IT teams and increasing long-term efficiency. Furthermore, COD ensures a clear separation of private and business data, minimizing security and compliance risks and meeting legal requirements.