COPE (Company Owned, Personally Enabled)

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Definition of COPE (Company Owned, Personally Enabled): A device ownership model where the company owns the device but allows the employee to use it for personal purposes. COPE deployments typically use a work profile alongside personal apps on the same device.

COPE (Company Owned, Personally Enabled) is a device ownership and management model where the organization owns and manages the device, but employees are allowed to use it for personal purposes alongside work. This approach balances corporate control with employee flexibility.

How COPE Works

In COPE deployments, the company purchases and owns the devices. Employees receive devices for both work and personal use. The MDM implements a work profile that isolates corporate data and applications from personal content. Employees have personal space on the device while the company maintains management control.

Work Profile Implementation

The work profile approach is key to COPE. Corporate apps, email, and data are confined to the managed work profile. Personal apps and data remain outside the profile and are not managed by the organization. This separation protects corporate information while respecting employee privacy.

Advantages

COPE offers a middle ground between corporate control and employee autonomy. Companies receive device ownership, security control, and asset management. Employees get personal device use and flexibility. COPE improves employee satisfaction compared to purely corporate devices while maintaining IT control.

Management Considerations

Organizations must clearly define what is managed and what is not. Work profile policies enforce corporate requirements. Personal app restrictions are typically limited. Support policies clearly define what IT will assist with. Device retirement procedures address both corporate and personal data.

Compliance and Data Protection

COPE deployments must comply with data protection regulations. Work profile isolation protects personal data from corporate monitoring. Remote wipe of work profile doesn’t affect personal data. Clear privacy policies communicate what is and is not monitored.

Use Cases

Executives and traveling employees
Sales and field workers
Professional services
Organizations wanting to balance control and flexibility