Rebecca Gibson |
This article was originally published in the Winter 2018 issue of The Record. Subscribe for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.
Today’s consumer-driven workforces are raising expectations about how workplace services are consumed in the enterprise. Increasingly tech-savvy employees demand modern devices, next-day delivery, self-service provisioning and instant access to corporate data and tools, while enterprises are struggling to cope with years of technical debt and constrained IT budgets. How can an enterprise reinvent its workplace services to give its users that consumer-like experience? Many are considering device-as-a-service (DaaS) as a model for improving user experience, lowering costs and accelerating Windows 10 adoption – all while simplifying device ownership.
Exponential advances in digital technologies have led to exponentially accelerating innovation, making the workplace IT environment increasingly difficult to navigate. Organisations are faced with multiple factors that are shifting their thinking about the future of the workplace.
IT budgets have remained largely the same – or in some cases have decreased – causing technical debt to increase, while on-premises legacy systems and aging devices are struggling to perform against the latest user and application demands. Hence, businesses are looking to optimise their IT investments, lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) throughout the lifecycle of their devices and increase financial flexibility, while accelerating their move to more modern ways of working.
In addition, IT departments are facing resource challenges because they are spending a significant amount of time focused on administrative device lifecycle tasks. Plus, device lifecycle management has also become increasingly complex over time as organisations are relying on multiple third-party partners for support. Consequently, they are seeking a single strategy for full end-to-end solutions from a single provider and point of contact.
DaaS aims to address all these organisational needs through a new procurement model that combines device leasing and managed services into a single predictable monthly payment with one provider. Companies pay a monthly fee to receive a fully configured and supported device – whether it be a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone – as well as refresh services throughout the lifecycle of the device, so they always have access to the latest technology and support. Doing this for all employees’ devices means that the company has predictable monthly payments and guaranteed lifecycle support.
Migrating to a DaaS model brings several benefits. Companies can move from large upfront investment on devices to an on-demand model for the devices and associated services. This predictable monthly payment helps to improve overall cash flow for the business.
Working with a single provider for a full end-to-end solution means that organisations can take advantage of efficiencies, automation and seamless system integrations, eliminating costs and reducing device lifecycle TCO. As the DaaS provider manages the full device lifecycle – from procurement to data migration, management and disposal – the company’s IT support staff are free to work on higher value tasks.
DaaS typically includes a standardised, fixed refresh cycle for devices to ensure they remain modern, secure and fully supported, which means end users have access to the types of devices they are using at home, improving job satisfaction. Plus, DaaS can be a catalyst for the move to Windows 10 because end users can be given new devices that are set up for the operating system, facilitating the migration and modernisation efforts.
With DaaS, organisations get a device solution that integrates cleanly with existing and future services to further increase return on investment and reduce TCO. It is a model that organisations should consider to help renovate their workplace environment and delight end users.
Gary Beckett is the global lead for Mobility and Workplace Management Services at DXC Technology