Device as a Service (DaaS): Your Next Business model?

The digital technology boom of 2020 has launched businesses into an online-everything era. But e-services and remote work aren’t the only phenomena having a meteoric rise.

When the world went online, cybercriminals followed. Now, businesses are looking at new options to help them deliver online services in a more secure work environment.

Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) has emerged as the clear front runner, reducing the costs and complexities of device procurement and management.

According to a report from Accenture, 65 percent of the PC manufacturers offered DaaS capabilities and products in 2019. That’s up from an almost unbelievable 0% in 2015.

If your SMB is on a budget, but can’t afford to cut corners, the Device-as-a-Service business model could be the solution you’ve been seeking.

What is Device as a Service (DaaS)?

“Device as a Service (DaaS) is the bundling and offering of management services and IT equipment — like PCs, smartphones, and mobile devices — in a paid subscription,” explains Insight.

Instead of buying devices individually and servicing them in-house, IT can outsource the purchase, setup, and device management to the hardware provider. With per-user, per-month pricing, the model is scalable and cost-effective since DaaS falls under an operating expense (OpEx) rather than a capital expenditure (CapEx).

Is DaaS right for Your Business?

There are clear benefits to implementing a Device-as-a-Service model. This handful of examples represents the most obvious ones.

1. Customer cost reduction and increased vendor ROIs. Since you’re only buying the devices you need for the time you need them, device deployment and maintenance costs are drastically reduced. Software and hardware services are collapsed into one, freeing up more IT admin time and expense. At the end of their contract, devices can be refurbished and resold to maximize ROI.

2. Scalable, flexible device options. You don’t need to have the same exact devices or operating systems in your fleet to get the job done. Each can be changed out to better support different departments or as your business evolves, growing alongside you. Some organizations even prefer to work in phases, swapping outdated devices for updated solutions as their budgets allow.

3. Customizable configurations. Devices come pre-configured, taking lifecycle management off your IT team’s plate. But you get to decide what features, settings, and software will be most useful for your business – and you can change your mind on what those configurations are at any time.

4. Devices with built-in cybersecurity defenses. Remote employees are prime targets for cybercriminals. A recent McAfee Threats Report revealed there’s an average of 419 cyberattacks per minute. Having a designated, DaaS-supported machine can help you discourage staff from using their personal devices for work tasks, and vice versa. Devices also come supercharged with a host of curated cyber defenses including Unified endpoint management software.

5. Updated devices for your remote and in-office staff. Working from home certainly has its perks, but it’s been a big adjustment for everyone. Especially when you aren’t onsite with dedicated IT staff around the corner, having an up-to-date device that doesn’t impede your productivity is essential. Between the custom configurations and support services included with most DaaS models, employees are more likely to experience more device satisfaction and increased efficiency.

No matter your industry, regardless of what services you offer, if you want to simplify your device management and better support your remote teams, this flexible tech solution should make the shortlist. Expect to see it continue to rise through the ranks as a standout model in this all-things-digital age.

Content created and provided by ONEAFFINITI.