Device as a Service (DaaS): the essential guide for leaders looking to rethink their IT fleet

‍The computer workstation is no longer an investment, it's a service

For decades, equipping employees with computers, smartphones, or tablets meant tying up capital, managing complex renewal cycles, and absorbing unpredictable maintenance costs. Today, a new model is disrupting this logic: the Device as a Service, or DaaS.

Just as SaaS transformed software access, DaaS applies the subscription philosophy to IT hardware. For business leaders, it's much more than a contract change: it's a new way to approach their organization's performance, budget control, and environmental responsibility.

This guide explains what DaaS truly is, why it's gradually becoming a standard, and how to evaluate it for your organization.

DaaS: What exactly is it?

Device as a Service is a model where a company no longer owns its IT equipment, but rather accesses it via an all-inclusive monthly subscription. This package generally covers:

• Provision of devices (PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones…)
• Configuration and deployment
• Maintenance and technical support
• Hardware and software updates
• End-of-life management and equipment recycling

This model addresses a growing need for IT departments and general management: simplifying IT management while gaining agility. Rather than mobilizing internal teams for low-value tasks, such as troubleshooting or inventory management, companies delegate the entire lifecycle of their devices to a specialized partner.

DaaS is part of a broader trend, that of "Everything as a Service", where ownership gives way to usage. And in a context where employee needs are rapidly evolving – remote work, mobility, new uses – this flexibility makes perfect sense.

A model proven by the numbers: ROI, savings, and performance

While DaaS looks good on paper, it's also because its benefits are now measurable and documented.

A study cited by Solutions Numériques reveals that companies adopting DaaS can realize up to €162 million in net gains over three years. These savings come from several combined factors: reduced support costs, decreased downtime, optimized procurement, and better allocation of IT human resources.

From Forrester Research, the conclusions are equally compelling: organizations deploying DaaS internationally observe an average return on investment of 89%. This figure is largely due to equipment standardization, reduced incidents, and the ability to refresh fleets more regularly without budget shock.

For an executive, this data shifts the perspective: DaaS is not an additional cost; it's a driver of financial optimization. By transforming a capital expenditure (CAPEX) into a predictable operating expense (OPEX), it facilitates budget planning and frees up investment capacity for other strategic priorities.

DaaS and sustainability: a natural alignment with CSR challenges

Beyond economic performance, DaaS also stands out as a tool for transitioning to more sustainable IT — a key challenge for companies facing increasing CSR requirements.

In the traditional model, IT equipment is often renewed haphazardly, stored in warehouses, or discarded without traceability. DaaS, on the other hand, structures a managed lifecycle :

• Devices are refurbished or recycled at the end of the contract
• Equipment utilization is optimized
• Purchasing volumes are streamlined, limiting overproduction

This approach is fully aligned with the principles of thecircular economy in the digital sector.

For Leasétic, whose DNA is rooted in sustainable mobility and responsible leasing, DaaS represents a natural extension of this vision: use better, own less, last longer.

How to evaluate and deploy DaaS in your organization?

Adopting DaaS requires careful planning. Here are the key steps for a structured approach:

1. Inventory your existing equipment First, conduct a detailed assessment: number of devices, average age, current maintenance costs, and failure rates. This snapshot will help you identify potential gains.

2. Define your needs by user profile Not all employees have the same needs. A traveling salesperson doesn't use the same tools as a developer or a financial manager. DaaS allows you to tailor offerings by profile, so you only pay for what you truly need.

3. Choosing the right partner The quality of DaaS largely depends on the provider. Check their commitments regarding intervention times, replacement of faulty devices, data security at the end of the contract, and environmental traceability.

4. Anticipating change management Transitioning to DaaS changes the habits of IT teams and users. Plan for clear internal communication and support during deployment.

5. Measuring and managing over time Implement key performance indicators: equipment availability rate, cost per user, employee satisfaction. DaaS is a living contract that must evolve with your organization.

Conclusion: DaaS, a strategic choice for forward-thinking leaders

Device as a Service is not a passing trend. It's a structural response to the challenges leaders face today: cost control, organizational agility, talent attraction, and environmental responsibility.

Market studies confirm it, and experience demonstrates it: companies that take the leap gain operational peace of mind and overall performance. In a world where technology evolves faster than depreciation cycles, owning your digital tools may have become the least effective way to control them.

At Leasétic, we support organizations through this transition with a tailored, transparent approach rooted in sustainability values. Ready to explore what DaaS can bring to your business?

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