Hardware (Device) as a Service: Everything you need to know!

What is Hardware (Device) as a Service?

With Hardware as a Service (HaaS) and Device as a Service (DaaS), there’s no need to purchase IT equipment outright. Instead, you rent or lease devices like laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones for a fixed monthly fee. The supplier retains ownership of the hardware and takes care of everything, from maintenance and support to replacements and secure data disposal.

There are various forms, depending on your hardware needs:

• Device as a Service (DaaS): For workplace devices
  • PC as a Service (PCaaS): Specifically for PCs and workstations
  • AV as a Service (AVaaS): For audiovisual equipment (e.g. screens)
• IT as a Service (ITaaS): Broader IT infrastructure services

With this service, you’re not paying to own hardware, you’re paying to use it. This avoids large upfront investments and ensures access to the latest technology at all times.

Why switch to “Hardware as a Service”? 8 key benefits

The model brings several advantages. Here are the most important ones:

1. No large upfront costs

Traditional IT procurement often requires a significant initial investment, putting strain on your budget. With HaaS or DaaS, you pay a predictable monthly fee, allowing for better financial planning and preserving capital for other strategic priorities.

2. Always up-to-date technology

Technology evolves quickly. Devices that worked fine three years ago may now hinder productivity.

Hardware as a Service gives you constant access to the latest hardware without repeated investment. When a device becomes outdated, it can easily be replaced with a newer model.

3. Better control over IT costs

A fixed monthly fee means no unexpected expenses for repairs or replacements. Your IT budget becomes easier to forecast and manage, enabling long-term planning without financial surprises.

4. Reduced IT management workload

IT teams often spend significant time managing and maintaining hardware. With HaaS and DaaS, this responsibility is transferred to the provider. This includes:

• Deployment of new devices
• Maintenance and updates
• Replacements for defective equipment
• Secure data wiping at end-of-life

Your IT department can then focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day hardware issues.

5. Flexibility: Easy to scale up or down

Growing or downsizing? The model lets you scale your hardware up or down depending on business needs.

Need more devices? Add them easily. Need fewer? Return the surplus without being stuck with unused equipment.

6. Sustainable and Circular: Less E-waste

IT equipment has a limited lifespan and contributes to rising e-waste. With HaaS, devices are reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

This aligns perfectly with a Circular IT strategy, extending the life of hardware and reducing environmental impact.

7. Multi-Vendor solutions: Everything from one provider

Traditional procurement often involves multiple vendors, leading to compatibility issues and complex management.

With this service, you get an all-in-one solution, hardware, software, and support from one provider:

• Faster deployment
• Better system integration
• One point of contact for support and management

8. Improved security and compliance

Cybersecurity is increasingly critical. Outdated hardware increases risk, while newer devices offer better protection. It ensures:

• Automatic updates and security patches
• Secure data disposal during returns
• Compliance with GDPR and other regulations

The Lifecycle of IT equipment

Traditional IT hardware purchases involve more than just buying a device. The full lifecycle includes three key phases:

Phase	Activities
Preparation	Assessment Configuration Deployment
Usage	Maintenance Repairs Upgrades Asset management
End-of-life	Device returns Secure data wiping Refurbishment Recycling

With this service, the entire lifecycle is managed for you. That means less hassle, fewer hidden costs, and a more sustainable approach.

Who is HaaS / DaaS suitable for?

Not all businesses have the same IT needs. Some want complete control, others prioritise flexibility and cost-efficiency. So who benefits most?

• Medium to large organisations: Easier to manage and scale IT
• Businesses with fluctuating workforce sizes: Easily adjust hardware needs
• Organisations focused on sustainability: Devices are reused or recycled
• Companies aiming for budget control: No more surprise costs

Hardware Solutions: Which fits your organisation?

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) is a broad concept, covering various IT solutions that help companies optimise their IT environments. Depending on your needs, you can choose from different service models, each offering unique benefits. In addition to HaaS, here are common options:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Flexible IT infrastructure

Rent IT infrastructure, like servers, storage, and networks, often via Virtual Private Server (VPS). You control setup and management, but are responsible for maintenance.

Examples

• Storage as a Service (STaaS): Cloud storage without owning physical servers
• Server as a Service (SaaS): Scalable virtual servers
• Network as a Service (NaaS): Managed network services without buying hardware

Benefits	Disadvantages
Lower cost than fully managed sulutions	Requires in-house technical expertise
Full control over resources

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Ready-to-use development environment

A fully managed platform with infrastructure, operating systems, and middleware set up by the provider. You focus on developing and running applications.

Benefits	Disadvantages
No infrastructure worries	Less freedom in software and middleware choices
Faster deployment

On-Premise: Maximum control over your IT environment

Everything is hosted internally, hardware is owned and managed in-house or by a third party.

Benefits	Disadvantages
Full data and security control	High purchase and maintenance costs
No reliance on external vendors	Scalability may be limited

HaaS vs Buying: What’s the best choice?

Comparison	Buying hardware	Hardware as a Service
Ownership	You own the hardware	The provider retains ownership
Cost structure	High upfront investment	Fixed monthly fee, no large initial costs
Lifecycle & Upgrades	Often used too long; replaced only when broken or outdated	Regular replacement based on a set plan; always up-to-date hardware
Maintenance & Management	Handled by your in-house IT team	Managed by the provider; reduced internal workload
Cost transparency	Unpredictable costs due to repairs and upgrades	Clear and predictable monthly expenses
Scalability	Scaling up or down requires extra investment	Easily scalable to match your needs

Why choose Circular IT group?

If you’re looking for a flexible and sustainable Device as a Service solution, Circular IT group has you covered. With over 30 years of experience, we offer the most comprehensive DaaS service on the market, fully tailored to your needs and budget. Thanks to our modular setup, it’s easy to choose exactly what you need, without unnecessary costs or complexity.

What makes us unique?

• Flexible purchasing options: Choose from new or premium circular devices, always suited to your budget and needs.
• Multi-vendor and multi-generation: Access to all leading brands and multiple hardware generations.
• Transparent costs: Clear agreements and predictable expenses, with no surprises.
• Improved user satisfaction: Less pressure on your IT department and happier end users.
• Sustainability first: By managing and extending the lifecycle of devices smartly, you directly contribute to a circular IT environment.

Frequently asked questions

What does HaaS mean?

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) is a model where you lease IT equipment such as laptops, desktops, and servers. The provider retains ownership and handles maintenance, replacements, and support, while you pay a fixed monthly fee.

Is Device as a Service the same as Hardware as a Service?

Yes, Device as a Service (DaaS) is a specific form of HaaS, focusing on end-user devices like laptops and tablets. HaaS is a broader term that can include servers and networking equipment.

What is Device Lifecycle Management?

Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) is the process of managing IT equipment throughout its lifecycle — from procurement and usage to replacement and recycling — for more efficient and sustainable IT operations.

What are the drawbacks?

1. No ownership: You rely on the provider
2. Monthly fees: Long-term costs may exceed purchase
3. Contract terms: Less flexible than owning

Is HaaS the same as leasing?

Not quite. Leasing focuses on financing, while HaaS includes full services like maintenance, support, and secure disposal. It’s more than just a payment model.