Written by dgoldring on Monday, June 15, 2009

Microsoft to Employees: Please Do Not Use Our Competitor’s Products


There have been reports floating around the Internet this week of a new mandate from Microsoft.  Essentially, Microsoft will no longer pay for its employees’ Blackberry and iPhone plans.  In fact, they will only reimburse employees for plans on Windows Mobile phones.

Reports around the Internet range from outrage (how dare they mandate which phones employees can use) to dejection (it is a sign of the economic times). 

Personally, I think this whole story is a bunch of bunk.  Anyone who has worked for a private company knows that you are generally expected to use your company’s products.  Using another company’s competing products would be, among other things, short sighted and bad for the company.

So, why does so much of the Internet think Microsoft should be any different?  They make one of the largest mobile operating systems in the world.  Windows Mobile is found on dozens of handsets, with new models coming out on a regular basis.  So, why would anyone thing Microsoft would pay for its employees to use a competitive phone or operating system?

What do you think?  Is Microsoft being unreasonable by only reimbursing its employees using Windows Mobile phones?  Or do you think Microsoft should reward its employees for their support of a competitive brand?

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James
Jun 16, 2009

As I understand it, they’re not saying, “You can’t use a Blackberry or iPhone period”, but rather, “You can use one, but we won’t reimburse you for it”. I see nothing wrong with that.

I worked at a restaurant once. I got free food. They didn’t tell me I couldn’t eat at another restaurant, but obviously they didn’t pay for me to.

People are quick to demonize Microsoft simply because they’re Microsoft. They’re a business, and to put money in the pockets of your competitors is bad business, no matter who you are.


dgoldring
Jun 16, 2009

Exactly, James. And I agree with you about the demonization. Everyone wants to demonize the big guy. But really, what they are doing is no different than any other business. I think it makes good sense not to pay for other companies’ phone plans.

Doug


Sue
Jun 16, 2009

I don’t see why they’re getting up in arms about it…….in the Corporate World, if a company uses Blackberry’s or iPaqs, the employee is required to use a Blackberry or iPaq if they’re going to be reimbursed for it.

If you want to use an iPhone or other device with a platform other than Windows Mobile, then use it in your personal time. If you want Microsoft to reimburse you for your company useage, then use what they tell you.

Seems fair enough to me.

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