What is Device as a Service (DaaS) and How Can It Benefit Your Business?

This page will explain the DaaS model in detail, including its benefits—such as predictable costs, easy scalability, and minimal capital investment—alongside how PiiComm’s DaaS services simplify mobile device management for businesses.

Learn more about PiiComm’s DaaS service

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Mobile devices are a non-negotiable tool for virtually all businesses today. They connect employees, enable them to collaborate and work in real-time while physically dispersed, and serve as critical tools that drive operations and key business outcomes.

They’re also incredibly expensive, with 95% of companies telling a recent Samsung survey that cost was a major factor and concern in how they manage their mobile device strategy. It’s no wonder, given that the average total cost of a mobile device per employee is $1,200 USD per year. That includes both the hardware and management fees.

Maintaining and improving mobile device performance while simplifying operational complexity and reducing costs would be top of the list for most IT and senior leadership teams. But managing mobile device fleets at scale is time-consuming and expensive, making in-house management a flawed option for organizations with this goal.

The other option—one that enables better performance while also reducing complexity and costs—is the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. This article will explore the concept of DaaS, explain why it’s such a valuable tool for organizations with complex mobile device fleets, and offer advice on how to select a suitable provider.

What is Device-as-a-Service (DaaS)?

Device-as-a-service is a subscription-based model that provides businesses with a complete solution for acquiring, managing, and maintaining mobile devices.
It’s a full, turnkey solution that includes the required software, hardware, and professional services required to deploy, scale, and manage a mobile device fleet. Under the DaaS model, instead of purchasing hardware outright, organizations pay a predictable monthly feed that bundles devices with accompanying software and support services.

DaaS simplifies the device lifecycle by including strategic sourcing, staging and deployment, lifecycle management, and secure decommissioning, all managed by a single provider. This model helps businesses reduce upfront capital expenses, scale device fleets easily, and free up internal IT resources for more strategic tasks.
Ideal for organizations of all sizes, DaaS is a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective way to manage modern device needs while staying focused on core operations.

How does the Device-as-a-Service model work?

As mentioned, DaaS is a turnkey solution that includes the hardware, software, and professional services needed to deploy and manage a mobile device fleet.

It’s a full-cycle offering that include:

  • Strategic sourcing. Instead of purchasing devices outright, businesses partner with a DaaS provider to select the devices that best fit their needs. This could include smartphones, tablets, laptops, or rugged devices for specialized industries.
  • Staging and deployment. The provider handles the configuration of devices, including installing necessary software, implementing security protocols, and tailoring settings to specific organizational requirements. Devices arrive ready for immediate use, saving time and reducing IT workload.
  • Ongoing support. Once deployed, devices are managed remotely by the DaaS provider. This includes automatic updates, patch management, and troubleshooting, ensuring devices remain secure and operational without burdening internal IT teams.
  • Lifecycle Management: When devices reach the end of their lifecycle, the provider handles secure decommissioning, recycling, or upgrades. This ensures data security and reduces e-waste while keeping your technology current.

Under this model, businesses can easily scale their device fleet as needs change. Whether onboarding new employees, rolling out devices across multiple locations, or supporting a seasonal workforce, DaaS allows companies to quickly adapt without accruing significant capital expenditures.

9 Device-as-a-Service benefits for organizations

The DaaS model offers a range of operational, financial, and technical benefits for organizations who need to ensure the stability and agility of their mobile device fleets.

Like with most “as-a-service” offerings, DaaS services dramatically extend a company’s in-house capabilities, enabling them to reap the benefits of a fully managed and operational mobile device fleet, without the steep CapEx costs that come with managing them in-house.

To help illustrate the positive impacts of DaaS, we’ve compiled a list of nine key benefits that companies can realize from this solution. For some, we’ve provided hypothetical business cases that help illustrate the quantifiable impact of these services.

1. Predictable, simplified costs for better budget control

One of the biggest advantages of DaaS is its subscription-based pricing model, which consolidates hardware, software, and lifecycle services into a single monthly fee. Unlike traditional device procurement, which requires large upfront capital expenditures, DaaS shifts costs into operational budgets (OpEx).

For IT leaders, this predictability eliminates the need to budget for unexpected expenses like device repairs, replacements, or software upgrades. Businesses can scale device fleets without worrying about costly surprises, making financial planning more transparent and efficient.

For example, rather than managing varying device purchase cycles for different departments, all device-related expenses are consolidated into one consistent payment.

Sample business case

Consider a mid-sized company planning to equip its 500 employees with new laptops.

Under a traditional procurement model, they may spend up to $1,200 per device, totaling $600,000 in upfront costs. This significant investment often strains budgets and limits available capital for other priorities like hiring or infrastructure upgrades.

By adopting a Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, the company can shift to a subscription-based payment structure that eases this upfront cost.

At a typical DaaS cost of $35 per device per month, the company would pay $17,500 monthly or $210,000 annually. Over a three-year lifecycle, this totals $630,000, comparable to the upfront purchase but spread across manageable payments. Additionally, this fee includes hardware, software, support, maintenance, and eventual device decommissioning, eliminating additional costs for repairs or replacements.

The predictable monthly fee not only frees up $582,500 in immediate capital but also simplifies budgeting and cash flow management, allowing the company to invest in other strategic initiatives.

2. Reduced IT workload through lifecycle management

DaaS providers handle the entire device lifecycle, from procurement to secure decommissioning. This includes staging, configuring, and deploying devices, ensuring they’re ready for use upon arrival, performing regular software updates, and providing remote troubleshooting.

This offloads time-consuming tasks from in-house IT teams, freeing them to focus on strategic initiatives like digital transformation or improving cyber security.

As an example, instead of IT staff spending hours troubleshooting user devices, a DaaS provider ensures issues are resolved quickly through proactive monitoring and support. This reduces device downtime and minimizes disruptions for end-users.

Sample business case

Imagine a company managing a fleet of 500 mobile devices in-house. In this company, IT staff spend approximately two to three hours configuring and deploying each device, equating to 1,000 to 1,500 hours per deployment cycle.

Additionally, ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates require about one hour per device monthly, totaling 6,000 hours annually. This workload is compounded by support tickets, with each device generating an average of one issue per month, requiring 30 minutes to resolve—adding another 3,000 hours annually.

By outsourcing these tasks through a DaaS provider, the company eliminates the need for IT to handle time-consuming lifecycle management tasks. Instead, these hours are redirected to higher-priority projects like cybersecurity or infrastructure upgrades. While exact savings will vary, companies adopting DaaS often free up thousands of hours of IT labor annually, reducing operational bottlenecks, minimizing downtime, and enabling a more strategic use of IT resources.

3. Scalability to meet evolving business needs

As businesses grow, adapt to market changes, and onboarding new employees, their device requirements evolve. Often, this puts undue strain on internal resources who have to manage this growth without growing themselves.

DaaS offers boundless scalability alongside company growth, allowing organizations to quickly add or reduce devices based on operational demands. This is especially useful for businesses with seasonal or project-based workforces, or those who are going through rapid growth phases or expansion into new regions or markets.

Sample business case

Consider a retail business experiencing seasonal fluctuations in staffing.

During the holiday season, the company needs to equip 200 additional employees with mobile devices for three months. If managed in-house, IT would face the challenge of procuring, configuring, and deploying devices quickly, often leading to rushed setups, increased workload, and higher costs for temporary hardware investments.

With a DaaS model, the company can seamlessly scale its device fleet up or down based on demand. The provider delivers pre-configured devices ready for use, eliminating the need for additional IT resources. After the season, the business returns the devices without worrying about storage, maintenance, or depreciation.

This flexibility ensures the company can respond to changing operational demands without overcommitting to long-term investments. While actual savings will vary, DaaS often enables businesses to scale efficiently, avoiding wasted resources while maintaining productivity during peak periods.

4. Enhanced security and compliance

DaaS ensures devices are always equipped with the latest security patches and configurations, reducing vulnerabilities. Providers implement robust security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and remote wiping to safeguard sensitive data.

This is especially critical for industries such as healthcare, finance, and government, where compliance with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS is mandatory.

DaaS providers also offer detailed compliance reporting as part of their service level agreements (SLAs), helping organizations stay audit-ready and avoid penalties.

If, for example, a device is lost, the DaaS provider can remotely wipe its data to prevent breaches, ensuring regulatory standards are upheld and sensitive company data is secure.

5. Access to the latest technology without upfront costs

In traditional procurement models, businesses often delay upgrading devices to save costs, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced productivity. DaaS eliminates this issue by including hardware refresh cycles in the subscription plan.

Organizations gain access to the latest devices and software without the need for capital investment. This not only improves employee productivity but also reduces the risks associated with outdated technology, such as compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks.

For example, a retail business using outdated tablets for point-of-sale transactions could experience lags or errors, impacting customer experience and accounting accuracy. With DaaS, they can upgrade devices regularly, ensuring optimal performance.

6. Improved employee productivity and satisfaction

With DaaS, employees receive pre-configured devices that are ready to use right out of the box. This seamless out-of-the-box experience facilitates immediate uptake and heightens user adoption across the team.

This reduces setup time and ensures users have access to the latest tools and technologies, empowering them to work more efficiently.

Additionally, quick replacements for damaged devices and 24/7 support ensure minimal downtime, keeping employees focused and productive. Happy employees, equipped with reliable devices, can also lead to improved morale and engagement, which has positive and cascading effects on overall business outcomes.

7. Sustainability through e-waste reduction

DaaS includes secure device decommissioning and recycling services, ensuring that outdated hardware is handled responsibly.

This helps businesses reduce electronic waste and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Organizations adopting DaaS can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to stakeholders, customers, and regulatory bodies.

8. Simplified logistics and multi-location support

Businesses that operate across multiple regions, time zones, and regulatory domains often face issues with managing and operating mobile device fleets efficiently from a centralized location. Their options are to either overload a single IT team with management that’s split across different time zones, or create duplicate IT teams for each region in which they operate. Both options are imperfect, and create strains on in-house resources and budgets.

DaaS helps with simplifying the logistics of multi-location management and support. DaaS providers handle the delivery, setup, and management of devices in different locations, ensuring uniform configurations and minimizing logistical headaches. This is particularly beneficial for companies scaling globally or supporting hybrid work environments.

9. Proactive maintenance and issue prevention

Lastly, DaaS providers use real-time monitoring tools to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate.

Predictive analytics can detect hardware or software problems early, reducing downtime and repair costs. This proactive approach ensures that devices remain operational and employees experience minimal interruptions.

This is particularly important for fast-paced industries like transportation and logistics who have minimal time available to manually troubleshoot and audit device performance. If devices fail in these environments, it negatively impacts downstream operations. Being able to proactively audit, maintain, and fix mobile device issues is a critical capability that keeps these companies operational at all times.

How to implement Device-as-a-Service

Now that we’ve explored the many benefits of DaaS solutions, let’s discuss the process for implementing it at your organization. This is similar to the procurement process for most other as-a-service offerings, and requires planning, research, and onboarding phases.

Here’s a brief overview of the DaaS implementation process:

  1. Assess your current device needs and challenges. Identify your existing pain points, such as high upfront costs, IT workload, or scalability issues. Determine the types and quantity of devices needed and specific software or security requirements.

  2. Set clear objectives and budget. Define what you aim to achieve with DaaS, whether it’s cost predictability, improved productivity, or enhanced security. Establish a budget to align your needs with the subscription-based pricing model.

  3. Research and choose a provider. Evaluate DaaS providers based on their service offerings, scalability, customer support, and pricing transparency. Look for providers experienced in your industry to ensure tailored solutions.

  4. Plan your deployment strategy. Collaborate with your chosen provider to create a rollout plan. This includes device selection, pre-configuration, and delivery timelines. Start with a pilot program to test the service and identify any adjustments.

  5. Implement and train staff. Deploy devices with pre-configured settings, software, and security protocols. Provide training for employees to ensure they understand device functionality and the benefits of the DaaS model.

  6. Monitor and refine the service. Work with your DaaS provider to continuously monitor device performance, security, and usage. Adjust your subscription plan as your business scales or your needs evolve.

Each of the above steps will vary depending on the size of your organization, the complexity of your needs, and the DaaS provider that you ultimately select. Most reputable providers offer professional services that help with onboarding, deployment, and ongoing refinement of your services. Be sure to ask about things like customer success and support during the research phase.

What to look for in a DaaS provider

As mentioned, every organization will have different requirements from a DaaS provider, which is largely dependent on the scope of their mobile device fleet, the industries and regions in which they operate, and their short- and long-term growth plans.

Ideally, you’ll want a DaaS provider who can meet your needs today, and has the ability to scale with you into the future. Think five to ten years down the line and ensure that any DaaS provider you partner with can handle your requirements into the future. This will ensure that you don’t have to go through this process again at a later date.

In general, here are some key factors to look for in a Device-as-a-Service provider:

  • Scalability for business growth. Choose a provider capable of accommodating your current device requirements while offering the flexibility to scale up or down as your workforce needs evolve. This ensures seamless support during expansions or seasonal changes.
  • Comprehensive lifecycle management. Opt for a vendor that manages every aspect of the device lifecycle, including procurement, configuration, deployment, maintenance, and secure decommissioning. Providers with a turnkey approach save internal resources and reduce operational complexity.
  • Transparent, predictable pricing. Seek vendors offering clear and fixed pricing structures. Predictable monthly fees ensure budget control and eliminate unexpected costs, making financial planning more straightforward.
  • End-to-end security and compliance. Prioritize providers with advanced security protocols, including data encryption, regular security updates, and adherence to industry compliance standards. This is essential to protect sensitive corporate information and meet regulatory obligations.
  • Top-tier support and service options. Look for 24/7 customer support, proactive device monitoring, and quick response times to minimize downtime. Providers that offer real-time tracking and helpdesk services enhance the end-user experience.
  • Access to industry-leading device manufacturers. Ensure the provider’s strategic sourcing networks include industry-leading device manufacturers for your industry. This will ensure that you can keep your workforce equipped with the best-in-class tools that they’ll need to perform their jobs at peak capacity.
  • Sustainability and ESG alignment: Partner with a provider that supports green initiatives, such as device recycling and refurbishing programs. This aligns with corporate ESG goals and minimizes environmental impact.

By evaluating these factors, you can select a DaaS provider that not only meets your technical needs but also aligns with your strategic objectives

About PiiComm’s Device-as-a-Service offering

PiiComm’s Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution is a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to managing your organization’s technology needs.

Designed to simplify operations and enhance productivity, PiiComm bundles hardware, software, and lifecycle services into a predictable monthly subscription. Whether your business requires rugged tablets for field operations, mobile devices for remote teams, or point-of-sale systems for retail, PiiComm provides tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements.

With PiiComm, you gain access to pre-configured devices ready for immediate deployment, proactive support, and end-to-end lifecycle management. From secure deployment to ongoing updates, monitoring, and eventual decommissioning, every stage is handled by certified experts. PiiComm also ensures your devices stay secure and compliant with industry standards, reducing risk and protecting your data.

Scalability is built into the offering, allowing your business to adjust device needs as your workforce evolves. This flexibility, combined with transparent pricing and 24/7 support, ensures you can focus on your core operations while leaving device management to the experts.

Ready to transform the way you manage your devices? Contact PiiComm today to learn more about how our DaaS solution can help your business reduce costs, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the competition in your industry.

Frequently asked questions

Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) is a subscription-based solution that bundles hardware, software, and lifecycle services for a predictable monthly fee. It eliminates the need for upfront capital expenditures and simplifies device management by outsourcing tasks like deployment, maintenance, updates, and secure decommissioning to a trusted provider.

DaaS reduces costs by consolidating hardware procurement, software licensing, and maintenance into a single monthly payment. This predictable pricing eliminates unexpected expenses, such as repair or replacement costs, and frees up IT resources, reducing overall labor costs. Businesses also avoid the need for large upfront investments, improving cash flow.

DaaS solutions typically include laptops, smartphones, tablets, rugged devices for industrial use, and even point-of-sale (POS) systems. Devices are tailored to meet the specific needs of the business and pre-configured with necessary software and security features before deployment.

DaaS is ideal for industries such as transportation and logistics, retail, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and field services. Each sector benefits from tailored solutions that address specific operational challenges, such as scalability, compliance, and reduced downtime.