Device as a Service: The Future of Technology Ownership

Shifting Workplace Services Landscape

The demand for workplace services continues to pivot around technologies that enable superior employee experience and employee productivity. With hybrid workplaces becoming the new normal, the physical boundaries of a workplace have blurred. This new construct has opened many opportunities for enterprises that are building digital resiliency with a geographically dispersed workforce. However, it also brings forth critical challenges that may derail the adoption of a hybrid model if not adequately addressed. For instance, the availability of optimum computing resources and capabilities for employees, data breaches, and cyber-attacks resulting from using unsecured personal devices. A comprehensive offering that addresses device requirements and provides services to manage everything from devices, applications, operating systems, monitoring, and security across the enterprise landscape is required to deliver a future-ready workplace.

Additionally, amidst the looming economic headwinds, there is a strong focus to drive down costs and deliver traditional workplace services in an as-a-service construct to ensure optimized cash flow deployment. Furthermore, we have noticed a growing interest in sustainable technologies, as clients are now evaluating the carbon footprint reduction capabilities of service providers and incorporating sustainability and environmental impact considerations into their technology service contracts. Device as a Service is the secret sauce to achieve workplace transformation. It simplifies workplace challenges by equipping enterprises with a full fleet of assets, IT support, and device life-cycle management bundled together in an as-a-service model. Device as a Service (DaaS) is the answer to flexible and scalable technology ownership.

Device as a Service – The Traditional Approach

For an extended period, the Device as a Service (DaaS) offering has functioned as a conventional device leasing service, where enterprises engaged with hardware providers to meet their IT needs. Additionally, some enterprises opted for upfront purchases from OEM partners, leveraging their services for device procurement, configuration, maintenance, and support. In both models, the cost overheads notwithstanding, there is increased pressure on IT departments to track, monitor, support, and even dispose of these devices. As enterprises scale their operations, the day-to-day management of potentially tens of thousands of devices across the enterprise is a huge challenge as it strains the bandwidth of IT resources from strategic initiatives. The traditional model of device leasing and ownership is no longer sufficient in the face of hybrid work environments. Enterprises now require comprehensive solutions that support productivity and security across various work locations.

Device as a Service for a Modern Workplace

Device as a Service (DaaS) has evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of services and solutions that combine hardware provisioning, lifecycle management, and managed services into a single bundled-as-a-service offering. With DaaS, enterprises can access a wide range of hardware options tailored to their specific needs, accompanied by ongoing support, maintenance, and regular technology updates. Additionally, the pay-as-you-go subscription model of DaaS shifts the costs from CapEx to OpEx, resulting in enhanced predictability and flexibility in cost management. This enables enterprises to easily scale devices up or down to ensure that the technology infrastructure aligns with their business requirements.

Modern DaaS offerings often include features such as centralized security management, asset tracking, remote monitoring, and support. These features integrate with state-of-the-art communication tools, advanced collaboration platforms, smart devices, and other innovative solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity in the workplace.

Key Elements of Device as a Service:

Modern DaaS offering portfolio encompasses a range of elements designed to simplify device management, provide flexibility, and enhance productivity. By combining hardware provisioning, lifecycle management, and managed services into a single offering, DaaS revolutionizes how enterprises acquire, manage, and support their devices. Let us explore the key elements that make DaaS a powerful enterprise solution.

• Hardware Provisioning: DaaS involves providing a wide range of hardware options to meet the specific needs of various personas in enterprises. Devices include laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. An example of a persona-based device provisioning option is providing field engineers with rugged laptops, and lightweight and slim laptops for office executives.
• Lifecycle Management: DaaS encompasses the management of devices throughout their lifecycle. This includes tasks such as device procurement, deployment, configuration, ongoing maintenance, and support. Hardware Lifecycle Services are either offered by GSIs in collaboration with device partners or completely orchestrated by the OEM vendors (HP, Lenovo, Dell). The services include end-to-end asset lifecycle management services, augmented by a range of technology refresh options, remote wipes, and safe asset disposal & recovery, enabling enterprises to fulfill their sustainability charter.
• Managed Services: DaaS often includes managed services that go beyond hardware provisioning. These services offered by GSIs include device enrollment, onboarding and deployment of necessary applications and software, endpoint protection, monitoring, data encryption, white-glove support, and field services. Managed services also include regular technology updates, including software patches, security updates, and firmware upgrades to ensure devices remain up-to-date and secure.
• Subscription-Based Model: DaaS is usually based on a pay-per-user subscription model. Instead of purchasing devices upfront, enterprises pay a recurring fee based on the number of users or devices, making cost management more predictable and flexible.
• Scalability: DaaS enables enterprises to easily scale their device deployments up or down to align with changing business needs. This flexibility allows enterprises to add or remove devices as required without significant upfront investments or long-term commitments.
• Centralized Management: DaaS often includes centralized management features, allowing IT teams to monitor, manage, and control devices, applications, and security settings from a central dashboard or platform.

Key Considerations for Choosing your Perfect DaaS Provider

When considering the implementation of device as a service (DaaS) for your enterprise, selecting the right provider is crucial to ensure a seamless and successful experience. With the right DaaS provider, enterprises can embrace a future where technology ownership is streamlined, efficient, and tailored to the unique needs of their workforce. With numerous providers offering DaaS solutions, it becomes essential to evaluate certain key factors. These include:

• Expertise and Track Record: Assess the provider's expertise and reputation in delivering reliable DaaS solutions. Look for proven experience in managing device deployments, and support services, while ensuring data security.
• Partnership Ecosystem: Evaluate the provider's partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers, software vendors, and cloud service providers. This ensures access to a wide range of devices and integration possibilities.
• Device Management Capabilities: Consider the provider's device management capabilities, including provisioning, monitoring, security, and remote support. These features are critical for maintaining a productive and secure workplace.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Ensure that the DaaS solution can scale according to your organization's needs. It should offer flexibility with device selection, deployment options, and support for future growth.

Microland Device as a Service - MiDaaS

Microland is an industry leader in Digital Workplaces, Digital Networks, Industrial IoT, Cloud & DC, Cybersecurity, and Service Management. Together with our technology partners, we make digital happen for our customers. With over three decades of expertise in designing, building, and managing digital workplaces for global firms, Microland's comprehensive DaaS offering or MiDaaS enables enterprises to procure, manage, maintain, monitor, and dispose of devices in a sustainable manner, for a seamless employee experience and superior employee productivity.

MiDaaS provides a single end-to-end management service for all end-user devices, apps, and data across hybrid workplaces. Powered by our Intelligeni Workplace platform, MiDaaS consists of modular services that provide modern device management and hardware lifecycle services in a managed service construct.

MiDaaS allows enterprises to embrace the future of device management with conviction. With our modular service options, value-driven approach, and strong partner ecosystem, we deliver comprehensive solutions that unlock the full potential of your digital workplace. So, take the leap into the future of work with MiDaaS and experience the benefits of enhanced productivity, simplified device management, and a scalable technology ecosystem.