IT procurement models are rapidly evolving to meet today’s changing technology needs. To keep ahead of tech trends, agencies are moving away from more permanent IT investments. This is where the growing trend of as-a-service offerings comes into play.
Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) brings together a fleet of any type of device and a set of services to deliver an end-to-end lifecycle experience to the end user. From deployment to disposal, IT professionals can skillfully manage all devices procured through this model. DaaS offers the customer hardware, software and services under one contract with one vendor, through monthly subscription-style payments.
According to a recent IDC Device-as-a-Service survey, IT personnel say they spend 14 percent of their time on device lifecycle management and half agree this time spent on device lifecycle management is too much. Furthermore, the survey found that 67 percent believe if device lifecycle management costs and efforts were reduced in their organization, they could start new, more strategic IT projects and initiatives, while 63 percent think these saved resources could be focused on ensuring greater security.
The top challenges in managing IT devices lie in obtaining resources needed to overcome IT obstacles, increasing rate of innovation and enhancing security. Below I will explore how DaaS can help alleviate these pressures:
Cost Savings and IT Efficiency
Organizations lacking in budget, or refresh discipline, tend to drown in legacy IT systems and can expect to deal with a major investment for an IT refresh. At the same time, many do not understand the full cost of their investment from a long-term management and maintenance perspective. However, with DaaS, there is a more predictable and transparent option. By moving to DaaS, organizations can optimize cash flow, improve their refresh cycle and deliver a better experience to their end users.
In addition, IT professionals are given back time in their day – time invested back into the organization’s mission-critical tasks. Contrary to popular belief, an outsourced management team does not replace workers within an organization. Instead, with DaaS offerings, IT professionals are better supported, so they can focus their energy on the mission.
Continuous Improvement and Enhanced Security
Organizations can drive continuous improvement and better security in their fleet by taking advantage of predictive analytics. The DaaS software stack from HP gathers real time intel on the fleet, provides IT with critical asset details, monitors for common failures, provides proactive actions, and can scan for advanced security policies and push corrective actions. This means IT professionals can pre-empt issues before they become a problem.
From a security perspective, the IT disposal period brings with it heavier risk. The reclaiming process for devices typically consists of putting a device in a drawer to collect dust. Tight disposal and asset reclaiming is key for better security. DaaS’ lifecycle services, mean that no longer will a device be left behind, or an organization’s defenses left unprotected.
How can your organization get on board with DaaS?
To learn how your forward-looking organization can begin reaping the benefits of DaaS, visit: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/services/daas.html