Microsoft is cutting back on some perks for its employees, including being reimbursed for data plans that are primarily used for business. Unless, that is, the employee is using a Windows Mobile phone.According to the Business Insider Microsoft had previously reimbursed employees for their data charges for personal phones. In addition to Windows Mobile, employees were routinely using the iPhone or RIM's Blackberry devices.

This is a perk that many employees don't enjoy. I know a few people, myself included, that prefer our own phone to those offered by the company. I pay for my own data plan each month. It is an all-you-can-eat plan and I'd have it whether or not I worked for my present employer. It really doesn't bother me that they don't reimburse me for it. Most employers won't.

In a way, I am surprised Microsoft ever reimbursed for non-Windows Mobile phone. Why promote your the use of competitive devices within your own organization?

I do wonder how MS will enforce this though. Many employees, especially the gadget freaks, may have multiple phones, so they can just pop a SIM card in whatever phone they have next to their nightstand and go. I know MS can look in the server logs and see what type of device is connecting, but if they use a WinMo device during business hours and an iPhone or Pre on the weekends, will the employee jeopardize their reimbursement?

I guess when you work for a company like MS that has all sorts of benefits most of the working world can only dream of, these little issues are worth putting up with.