Why Device-as-a-Service is Finally Growing into a Popular Business Solution

Devices as a Service? It makes more sense than you might think: Here’s why.

The “as-a-Service” trend is nowhere near dying out yet: Companies are determined to try everything as a service until they find out what ultimately works and what doesn’t. That can lead to a little uncertainty when adopting new services because no company wants to be caught in a temporary fad, especially when making big systems decisions.

But we want to talk about a particular Service trend, DaaS, or Devices as a Service. No, that doesn’t mean moving all your devices onto the web – it means leasing company mobile devices from a particular IT vendor for monthly fees instead of using BYOD or a company purchasing plan. It may sound odd, but here’s why more businesses are buying into the practice.

It’s More Familiar Than You Might Think

DaaS isn’t exactly new. In fact, companies have been using it for decades with very familiar devices like copy machines. For many smaller companies that once relied greatly on copiers, it wasn’t really feasible to invest in their own model, so copier manufacturers and vendors began to offer leasing opportunities to smaller companies. It worked out perfect for smaller businesses because the leases typically included room for repairs and maintenance and generally avoided a lot of the hassle of buying.

The new wave of DaaS is much the same, except instead of applying to larger devices like copiers it applies to small mobile devices like phones and tablets. Companies create a leasing contract with a vendor that supplies these items. Once again, it can be a smart move for smaller enterprises that don’t really have the resources to invest in so much hardware all at once.

It Concentrates Device Decisions into the Hands of Experts

With DaaS, IT and security experts at the company are typically the ones making all the decisions (or at least providing the most input) about the type of devices to lease, the models that are needed, the capabilities they need to come with, and what a good plan looks like. You don’t have untrained managers making these top-down decisions alone, and you aren’t leaving it up to the individual whims of each employee. The result is a device strategy that is much easier to work with, and tailored to exactly what the business needs – again, assuming strong IT communication, which is an important first step.

Security Issues are Much Easier to Deal With

For most quality DaaS plans, the vendor offers to provide necessary security management services. That includes any necessary updates or patches. If companies excelled at managing their own updates and immediately patching any vulnerability that is found, this wouldn’t be an issue. But let’s be honest, companies aren’t great at managing device security themselves – the constant series of data attacks around the world is proof enough of that. Handing security over to a vendor that specializes in keeping devices safe, data security is now improved.

There is a Variety of Service Setups

While costs do tend to be monthly, there’s a lot of variety in just what devices and services you can choose from. Many leases allow for some inherent flexibility too, if you suddenly have to scale up or down. Basically, you’ve got options here.

Long-Term Costs Tend to Be Low

Two things: First, the basic, “Buy hardware, fix hardware, pay for apps” costs are difficult to predict but may be higher than just paying the monthly fee for a lease that manages all of that for you (as long as the terms of the lease are favorable). Second, buying hardware directly is a high initial cost, usually a capital expenditure. The lease is a lower operating cost, which looks better on the books and frees up cash for other investments.

New Technology is Far Easier to Access

If you or your employees really need access to the latest technology, DaaS is a great solution to avoid being trapped with the same devices for years while new generations keep coming out. Just update the devices when you renew the lease – problem solved!

Of course, DaaS does come with its own complications regarding employee perspectives and finding the right vendor. For help on deciding whether DaaS is right for your Twin Cities South Metro area company, contact Tech Support of Minnesota! Let us know how we can help at (952) 758--7272 or [email protected].