As more companies embrace the as-a-service model, it seems like more businesses are looking to cash in. The appeal of this model is a reduced upfront cost and fixed monthly fees, rather than variable costs and expensive buy-in. Recently, Device-as-a-Service subscriptions have been offered from some of the top brands like Lenovo, HP and Dell. However, the PC company subscriptions obviously give you only one brand choice for the devices.
In contrast, CompuCom -- now partner of Office Depot -- this week launched a vendor-agnostic Device-as-a-Service offering. This new service combines hardware, managed services, and device lifecycle management into a single, fixed-cost service to help organizations lower total cost of ownership, increase user satisfaction and boost workplace productivity, the company claims.
Through this service CompuCom plans to deliver:
- End-to-end, fully managed support combined with device lifecycle management, regardless of brand.
- The ability to control IT costs with a predictable monthly price, allowing for flexibility to scale up or down based on evolving workplace needs.
- More brand choices and flexibility around device procurement, boosting employee satisfaction.
- Increased employee productivity using the latest technology that is personalized for them.
- Greater flexibility with cash flow and better visibility into the overall technology budget.
We're curious to see if smaller MSPs follow CompuCom's lead. After all, MSPs can tap into multiple distributor "as a service" plans for third-party devices now. Most major distributors along with financing firms like Great America stand ready to help with the financing models.
In CompuCom's case, the subscription model includes managed services and support for the devices. CompuCom Chief Product Officer, Ken Jackowitz said in a prepared statement: “Before, you’d have to find a hardware provider, a technology services company and a leasing agent. With the DaaS program, we do it all – procuring the best technology, avoiding penalties and delivering consistent managed services, no matter what brand of device you prefer.”
While everyone is looking for ways to improve the device lifecycle process, I expect more companies will begin to offer services such as this. It is nice to see that a company understands that not everyone likes or wants to use the exact same brand. Giving subscribers more options can definitely help this particular service to stand tall above the rest.
