Resources – References

Messe Berlin: holistic device management

The Messe Berlin exhibition grounds are enormous: covering 190,000 m², they include 27 exhibition halls and event locations that host numerous trade fairs and major events throughout the year such as ITB, ILA, IFA, and InnoTrans.

Lifecycle management for smart devices

900 employees plan and organize events, coordinate setup and dismantling, and provide on-site support for exhibitors and visitors during trade shows. One of the most important tools in their work is the mobile phone. Telekom and its partner Everphone handle the management of the mobile phone fleet, ensuring that all employees can communicate smoothly and securely at all times.

The client: Messe Berlin

Berlin has been an exhibition location for 200 years and one of the world's most important venues for decades. As a state-owned trade fair company, Messe Berlin designs, markets, and hosts hundreds of live events every year.

Initial situation

Messe Berlin wants to outsource the administration of around 650 business smartphones. As part of this process, the entire device fleet is to be renewed. In addition, a mobile lifecycle management solution is required.

Solution

Telekom's partner Everphone purchases Messe Berlin's existing devices. Through a Telekom platform, Messe employees can order a new Apple iPhone and accessories. Delivery, onboarding, and management are handled by Everphone.

Value for client

Messe Berlin has a dedicated contact person who manages the entire lifecycle of the device fleet. This relieves the purchasing, IT, and HR departments, while employees are always equipped with fully functional mobile devices that are up to date and ensure secure communication. The rental model also enables predictable costs. Old devices are sustainably and securely reused or recycled.

One platform as personalized shop and service hub

At the heart of the Device-as-a-Service offering is a personalized platform, designed in Messe Berlin's corporate look and feel. Depending on their authorization level, employees can choose from three different iPhone models and accessories. A fully functional mobile device is essential for most roles at Messe Berlin. That's why fast replacement of defective devices is a top priority — even for employees who are currently traveling abroad for business.

Defects can easily be reported through the platform, and a replacement device is immediately dispatched to the desired address. Since there are no additional repair costs, all damage cases can be processed without an approval workflow.

Simple device management

Another key component of Device-as-a-Service is easy management of the mobile fleet. Device rollout is greatly simplified through the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). With just a few clicks, devices are pre-configured and ready for use. Thanks to integration with Apple Business Manager and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), devices are also protected against theft and misuse.

Apps and updates are automatically deployed via UEM. Security policies can also be enforced quickly and uniformly across all devices, no matter where they are. This significantly streamlines internal processes and ensures that all devices are always up to date.

Certified data wiping and recycling

Data protection is a high priority for Messe Berlin. Devices returned by employees under the service contract are wiped in compliance with BSI and NIST standards. A deletion certificate is issued afterward.

In line with the principles of a circular economy, Telekom and Everphone apply a rigorous refurbishment and reuse process. With refurbishment rates of 95%, the average lifecycle of smart devices is doubled, saving 56 kg of CO₂ per device. Devices that cannot be reused are fed back into the production of new hardware. For Messe Berlin — one of the first signatories of the German Sustainability Code (DNK) — this aspect of the service is also highly important.

Start today