Device as a Service (DaaS)

Instead of buying laptops, more and more companies pay a monthly fee per device, including setup, support and replacement. The model is called Device as a Service. Here you can read how it works, how it differs from leasing, and what to watch for at the end of the term.

How Device as a Service works

With DaaS you do not buy devices but a service: a certain number of ready-to-use workstations over a fixed term. The provider procures the hardware, delivers it preconfigured, takes care of repairs and replaces devices according to an agreed Refresh cycle applies. Billing is usually per device or per user per month.

Caution with the abbreviation: DaaS also stands for "Desktop as a Service". This refers to virtual desktops from the cloud, i.e. not physical devices.

DaaS, leasing and buying compared

Feature	Purchase	Leasing	Device as a Service
Ownership of the devices	The company	Lessor	Usually the provider
Scope of services	Hardware only	Financing of the hardware	Hardware plus services
Cost pattern	One-time investment	Ongoing installments	Ongoing fee per device or user
End of use	Company decides on sale or disposal	Return, buyout or extension	Return to the provider
Residual value	Goes to the company	Depending on the contract	Usually with the provider, often already included in the fee

Whether DaaS pays off only becomes clear by comparing the Total Cost of Ownership over the entire term. This also includes the proceeds that purchased devices bring in through resale at the end. How costs are treated in the accounts depends on the contract and the accounting standard. This entry explains terms and does not replace tax advice.

What to look out for when returning devices

With DaaS and leasing, the devices leave your company at the end, along with everything still stored on them. Responsibility for personal data remains with you. You should therefore clarify the following when signing the contract:

• Who erases the data, using which method and when?
• Do you receive an erasure certificate per serial number?
• How are the devices transported, and who is liable in transit?
• What happens with defective data carriers?
• Do locks such as MDM bindings have to be removed before return?

With classic leasing, it is often worth comparing whether buying out and selling is cheaper than returning. Our guide explains the options: Lease return for IT. Anyone who buys devices can turn them into cash at the end through a Buyback to turn them into cash.

Relation to Second IT

Second IT supports companies with consulting on inventory analysis, market valuation and IT return. Second IT buys purchased or bought-out devices at market-based prices, erases them with certified Blancco software and provides an erasure certificate per device. More on consulting on the IT lifecycle.

Frequently asked questions about Device as a Service

What is the difference between DaaS and leasing?

Leasing mainly finances the use of the hardware. Device as a Service bundles hardware with services such as setup, support, replacement and take-back in a single contract with a recurring fee.

Who owns the devices in Device as a Service?

As a rule, they remain the property of the provider or its financing partner. That is why they go back at the end of the term. Some contracts provide for a purchase option.

Who is responsible for data erasure with DaaS?

Under data protection law, your company remains responsible as long as your data is on the devices. The contract should specify who erases, using which method, and what evidence you receive per device.

Does DaaS stand for Device as a Service or Desktop as a Service?

Both occur. Device as a Service means physical devices such as laptops with services for a recurring fee. Desktop as a Service means virtual desktops from the cloud, i.e. not physical devices.

Does Device as a Service pay off compared with buying?

That only becomes clear by comparing the total cost of ownership over the entire term. This also includes the proceeds that purchased devices bring in through resale at the end. The accounting treatment depends on the contract.