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As long lead times continue to be the norm, Hardware-as-a-Service may be the solution your business is looking for. Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) is a simple and cost-effective way to procure equipment without the long lead times. As the name implies, HaaS is similar to leasing or licensing. The hardware in question belongs to a managed service provider (MSP) and is installed at the customer’s site. A service level agreement (SLA) then defines the responsibilities of both parties. HaaS in the data center can be an excellent idea to ensure that your business has the latest equipment to stay competitive. Allowing for scalability and a lower up-front cost than traditional procurement methods, HaaS provides hardware when and where you need it.
Shorter Lead Times
As the effects of the chip shortage continue to affect businesses all over the world, companies are looking for alternate procurement methods. OEM lead times can amount to weeks or months, and businesses simply cannot wait that long. Instead, some are turning to HaaS providers to ameliorate lengthy wait times. HaaS providers are experts at procurement and often have large selections of readily available hardware. Your business can have the equipment when it needs it and the services to go with it, as well.
Provides Maintenance
One of the selling points of HaaS is that maintenance and repair are included with the equipment. Service providers are invested in keeping your hardware running as smoothly as possible. Under certain SLAs, if the equipment is not working, you are not obligated to pay. This is a great incentive for quick repair and preventative maintenance. Even if the unexpected happens to your equipment, a monthly rate means that there are no unexpected expenses. Your IT department will not be responsible for taking time away from their day-to-day activities of keeping your business running; your provider will take care of any repair or replacement.
Updates Equipment as Necessary
Even the best-maintained equipment wears out or becomes irrelevant. When you contract with a HaaS provider, you can arrange it so that your provider will take care of equipment updates as they become necessary. They will take care of every step, from procurement to installation, and the cost will be covered in your monthly payments. You don’t have to wait until your equipment breaks down, and you won’t have to pay the cost of new equipment up front. Instead, you continue paying your HaaS provider, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Provides Increased Flexibility
Experts continue to be conflicted about the state of the economy. When you contract out for HaaS, you are contracting for increased flexibility. A monthly rate instead of a large, up-front cost means that you can scale up or down as your business’s needs change. You can have what you need, when you need it. If you no longer need the equipment, you can scale down more easily. HaaS in the data center can take some of the risk out of business.
Instead of holding your business back with older and unreliable equipment, trust CentricsIT for your HaaS needs.
