You’ve heard of Software as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, and even Desktop as a Service, but have you heard of Hardware as a Service? How about Device as a Service?
Outsourcing devices (which is another way of saying “Hardware as a Service”) may sound like an impractical business model, but it comes with many of the same benefits other cloud-based solutions do. Just as with other cloud models, in a Device as a Service model, you rent laptops and other devices instead of purchasing them. In the era of remote and hybrid-remote work, this option can be highly beneficial for IT teams dealing with dispersed workforces.
Surface as a Service is a niche term within Device as a Service that refers to renting Microsoft Surface computers. And with the power of Microsoft 365, Surface devices have made their way into enterprises—bringing an industry-first combination of hardware and software. Here are a few reasons why option for Surface as a Service can transform your IT.
All in One, Instead of Disparate Solutions
Microsoft 365 was specifically designed to be used on Surface devices, and their joint usage brings enhanced business capabilities as well as the opportunity to save time and money over other solutions. In a scenario where you have non-Surface devices running Microsoft 365, or even non-Surface devices running non-Microsoft programs, you likely have multiple vendors’ hardware and software throughout your business that either your own IT team or an outsourced IT expert have to manage. Pairing Surface as a Service with Microsoft 365 allows your IT team to perform easy user set up and skip having to pay for a managed IT provider.
Setting up a new hire can be as easy as creating a Microsoft login and delivering that employee a Surface device. You also skip having to buy new workstations or the latest software licenses after your technology becomes outdated.
Pay for What You Use—and Nothing Else
Surface as a Service allows you to take advantage of the subscription model typical of most cloud-based solutions. When you combine it with Microsoft 365, you have no upfront hardware or software costs—only a monthly bill in which you’re charged a fee per user.
Paying by the seat also means you’re not paying for any users who aren’t using the devices. Should an employee leave your company, you simply turn down that device and stop paying for it.
You avoid additional expenses associated with upgrades, as well. Your IT team doesn’t need to spend time upgrading your software or disrupting business to ensure systems are on the latest, most secure version. The subscription model means your software is always up to date, and your users always have access to the latest features.
Standardization Supports Security
Speaking of security, when you opt for Surface as a Service (and ideally Microsoft 365 as well), you’re standardizing the devices across your business. This helps you ensure security; if a device becomes infected, you can replace it quickly and access your data in the cloud. A breach won’t disrupt your business’ productivity.
The aforementioned benefit of having always up-to-date software also ensures your network is impenetrable by malicious actors. When software and hardware go outdated—or worse, go end-of-life with providers—you open the door to hackers. Surface as a Service protects against this risk.
Surface as a Service: Your Gateway to the Cloud
If you’ve been waffling on how to approach your cloud strategy, or if you’ve gone partway to the cloud but aren’t sure how to complete your transition, Surface as a Service can be an easy way to move further into the cloud. Point Alliance is a Microsoft partner committed to helping organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of going cloud-ward. We can help you determine what the best approach is for your business and what combination of cloud solutions would help you achieve your growth goals. Learn more about how Surface as a Service can transform your IT today by contacting us.
