Managed Digital Allowance
Managed Digital Allowance (MDA) or Digital Allowance is an emerging business practice and management trend of allowing employees to choose their own technology work tools within corporate guidelines and allocated stipend or “allowance” for such purchases. Typical productivity tools covered and reimbursed by the enterprise include desktops, laptops, netbooks, mobile phones and similar technology. The ability for workers to choose their own equipment is supported by a variety of methods. For example, workers may purchase their own equipment with reimbursement by the company or equipment is chosen through a company-managed portal or “store”. The amount of the MDA per individual and the variety of choice may vary, depending on the role and/or location of the worker.
MDA, also known as Bring Your Own PC or Technology (BYOPC) or ( BYOT), has been the subject of several recent news articles, blogs and research. A January 4, 2010 blog by Patrick Gray in TechRepublic called BYTO one of the biggest CIO challenges in 2010. He cites companies such as Kraft and Unisys as companies that have embraced the practice.[1]
He forecasts the phenomenon as quickly becoming a reality that IT departments should be preparing to address. Nick Wingfield, in an November 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal article, echoes this sentiment and indicates that in some cases, corporations that give their workers allowances for work tools may find employees more productive. He indicates that it is analogous to “professional chefs bringing their own knives to work, rather than using a dull set of blades lying around the kitchen.[1]