Management

Meet DaaS, a New Model for Endpoint Acquisition and Management

Device as a Service enables healthcare organizations to accommodate their needs without adding to the burden on IT teams.

Joel Snyder

Joel Snyder, Ph.D., is a senior IT consultant with 30 years of practice. An internationally recognized expert in the areas of security, messaging and networks, Dr. Snyder is a popular speaker and author and is known for his unbiased and comprehensive tests of security and networking products. His clients include major organizations on six continents.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the healthcare sector to face a number of logistical challenges. Rapid response to urgent requirements for clinicians, home health, telemedicine and mobile vaccination sites are pushing healthcare technology groups like never before. In many cases, acquiring new endpoint devices such as tablets, laptops or smartphones can be a challenge. Configuring them for individual users and distributing them only adds to the demand on IT staff. Device as a Service (DaaS) offers a capability that healthcare IT teams can rely on to respond to the urgent need for endpoints.

Isn’t DaaS Just Rebranding Rentals?

Not all DaaS programs are equal, and some may really be rental programs with a new label. But some vendors offer a feature-rich experience that bundles user and device management, streamlined deployment and configuration tools, and a support team with each device provided.

What Value Comes from Having a Third Party to Handle Devices?

Healthcare IT teams have specialized knowledge about their user community and their applications. But configuring tablets, setting up charging stations and handling support requirements is a commodity service. By having a third party take responsibility for IT that isn’t healthcare-specific, in-house IT teams can focus on delivering the value that users expect.

What Should I Look for in a DaaS Provider?

The critical value that DaaS brings lies in device lifecycle management, configuration, monitoring and logistical support. Your decision-making about DaaS should be based on how well the service acts as a force multiplier for your team. Budget considerations are not the place to start.

Does DaaS Save Healthcare IT Teams Money?

In the big picture, a strong DaaS partner can help you save money by cutting IT team workloads, reducing procurement costs, shortening refresh cycles and making budgets more predictable. If you look only at the per-device cost, the hardware isn’t likely to be less expensive.

Does DaaS Involve Only Smartphones and Tablets?

DaaS is just an acronym; service providers offer a wide variety of endpoint devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets. Mobile devices are an excellent way to get your feet wet with DaaS because of their simpler management and cloud-focused applications. If your team experiences success with mobile devices, adding in laptops may be a logical next step.

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