Hardware as a Service (HaaS): Benefits & how it works

Many businesses struggle to maintain enterprise connectivity with aging hardware or limited IT resources. Hardware as a Service solves that problem with a service-based approach to infrastructure.

What is Hardware as a Service (HaaS)?

The definition of Hardware as a Service (HaaS) is a model where businesses pay a monthly fee to use hardware. The fee covers all core hardware services over time.

There’s no large upfront purchase. There are no extra charges for support.

The provider installs the hardware and connects the devices to your systems. It also keeps everything updated.

The HaaS meaning centers on removing the burden of ownership while keeping technology current. If a device breaks, it gets replaced. If something becomes outdated, the provider swaps it out for you.

Meter delivers HaaS as part of a managed network service. We handle the install. We monitor performance. We replace or upgrade hardware as needed.

You avoid the complications (such as outages and delays) and can scale at any time. Add or remove hardware without long lead times or budget spikes.

HaaS vs. Leasing: What’s the difference?

HaaS vs. leasing comes down to ownership of responsibility.

Leasing gives you hardware from a third party. You still handle maintenance, support, and upgrades on your own. If something breaks, your team fixes it. If the equipment ages out, you replace it.

HaaS works differently in that you get the hardware along with full support. The provider includes maintenance and upgrades from day one. There’s no separate contract or extra fee when something needs fixing.

Meter provides, maintains, and upgrades all hardware under one plan. You don’t rent the gear. You don’t lease it. Meter manages the full system and keeps it running over time.

Choose HaaS over leasing when you need long-term cost control and fewer support gaps.

Which industries is HaaS most popular in?

HaaS is most popular in industries that need flexibility. It supports teams that require high uptime. Budget control is also a key driver of its growing popularity.

IT teams use HaaS to reduce capital spending.

Tech startups and IT departments avoid large hardware purchases. HaaS helps them scale faster without locking up budget. Teams also avoid delays from upgrade cycles and vendor procurement.

Gartner forecasts worldwide IT spending to grow to $5.26 trillion in 2024, a 7.5% increase from 2023, indicating a shift towards service-based models over ownership.

Manufacturers use HaaS to cut downtime

Factory networks and production lines depend on reliable hardware. If a switch or controller fails, operations can stall.

HaaS gives manufacturers a way to keep hardware current without managing it in-house. They get faster support and avoid disruption. Industry 4.0 goals depend on high uptime and strong automation. HaaS helps meet both.

McKinsey highlights this as a key trend in smart manufacturing.

Healthcare providers need security and reliability

Hospitals and clinics run systems that can't afford outages. Medical devices, patient records, and lab tools all rely on stable networks. HaaS gives healthcare teams the hardware and support they need without hiring more IT staff.

Updates and replacements happen on schedule. Timely updates help meet compliance rules. Fast replacements lower the security risk.

Schools use HaaS to stretch tight budgets.

Universities and school districts often delay upgrades due to cost. With HaaS, they get modern hardware and only pay for what they use.

If a device fails, you get a replacement without spending more on extra hardware. Fast replacements keep classrooms online. Full support reduces pressure on small IT teams. Demand grew after remote learning pushed infrastructure limits.

Retail and logistics teams use HaaS for fast scaling.

Retailers and warehouse operators often open new sites fast. They need ready-to-go devices and strong support.

HaaS gives them preconfigured gear with full management. If a barcode scanner fails or a router drops, it gets replaced right away.

Quick hardware swaps keep revenue flowing. Strong support prevents customer delays.

How does Hardware as a Service work?

HaaS gives businesses access to hardware through a managed service model. The provider handles every stage of the lifecycle. The business pays a flat, recurring fee instead of purchasing devices outright.

Assessment

The provider starts with a full audit of your current hardware.

The team checks:

• Device age
• Failure rates
• Coverage gaps
• Performance issues

They also evaluate:

• Power
• Cabling
• Port needs
• Space constraints

The point is to check how well your network supports long-term operational goals.

Subscription setup

You choose hardware based on your environment.

The hardware list often includes:

• Switches
• Access points
• Firewalls
• Point-of-sale systems

The provider creates a monthly pricing plan that covers all services, maintenance, and future replacements. There are no unit-by-unit charges or maintenance add-ons.

Deployment and maintenance

The provider installs all hardware onsite. They ensure compatibility with existing systems and configure the devices for immediate use.

After deployment, the provider monitors each device for:

• Performance
• Uptime
• Failure risk

The provider applies firmware updates and security patches as needed. The team also manages ongoing hardware support.

End-of-life management

The provider tracks each device for age, usage patterns, and performance issues. When a model reaches the end of its useful life, the provider removes it and installs a new one.

You avoid the overhead of managing hardware lifecycle tasks. Every device stays current without disrupting operations.

HaaS replaces traditional procurement with a simpler, full-service model. With HaaS, you get full-lifecycle coverage under a single agreement.

What are the benefits of Hardware as a Service for businesses?

HaaS gives businesses a new way to manage hardware without owning it. The model supports long-term efficiency across IT and operations.

Lower upfront costs

You avoid large capital expenses. You avoid bulk hardware purchases across the network. HaaS spreads costs over time through a monthly fee. The monthly model frees up cash for other business needs.

Predictable budgeting

You pay the same amount each month. There are no surprise charges for hardware failures or emergency upgrades. Fixed pricing simplifies budgeting for finance teams. Long-term IT costs stay stable as the business grows.

Hassle-free maintenance

The provider manages all hardware tasks including:

• Installation
• Monitoring
• Updates
• Repairs

You avoid the overhead of managing hardware logistics. Failed devices get replaced without internal effort.

Scalability

You can scale hardware up or down based on current demand. The provider installs new devices or removes old ones as needed. You avoid delays from procurement cycles. You also skip the cost of unused equipment during slow periods.

Stronger security and compliance

The provider keeps all hardware up to date. Security patches and firmware updates happen on time. Timely updates support compliance goals and reduce exposure to aging infrastructure. You stay aligned with internal policies and external regulations.

HaaS turns hardware from a capital asset into a managed service. You get the infrastructure you need without the cost, risk, or admin burden of owning it.

How does HaaS help manage performance over time?

HaaS helps manage performance over time through tools that monitor hardware health and usage. The provider checks each device for performance issues before they cause downtime. Teams monitor network conditions through a single management system.

No one needs to log into individual devices. No one needs to build custom reports. The system flags weak spots early and supports fast adjustments.

Businesses get steady network tuning without adding IT overhead. Consistent tuning improves overall network reliability.

What are some Hardware as a Service examples?

HaaS covers a wide range of business hardware. The provider manages all business hardware across the network. Businesses avoid ownership but keep full access and control.

Networking hardware

Businesses use HaaS to deploy core network equipment. The provider delivers essential networking equipment for enterprise use.

Support covers the entire hardware lifecycle from installation to replacement. Each device stays up to date without in-house maintenance.

Security systems

Security tools come bundled with network protection features. The provider installs the devices and ensures policy enforcement across all traffic.

Security updates and patching happen on a fixed schedule. Failed devices get replaced without delay. Businesses meet compliance targets without managing hardware directly.

Enterprise Wi-Fi management

HaaS supports wireless connectivity across distributed environments. The provider installs enterprise-grade access points and wireless controllers. They also prepare each device to meet network requirements.

You gain strong wireless performance without buying or managing the equipment. Remote tools adjust layout and performance without onsite work.

Managed IT infrastructure

HaaS can include integrated device-and-software bundles. The provider delivers physical hardware along with the tools to monitor and control it.

That includes:

• Dashboards for usage
• Uptime
• System health

The team sets up the environment and handles day-to-day management. Businesses get full visibility without maintaining internal systems.

What are the pros and cons of Hardware as a Service?

The pros and cons of HaaS depend on multiple factors. It has both advantages and disadvantages worth discussing.

Businesses can lower their internal workload. They can also simplify budgeting through fixed monthly fees.

Risks may include security concerns or long-term cost tradeoffs. Results vary based on how the provider delivers support and manages hardware.

Data security and privacy risks

HaaS gives external teams access to your network hardware. Privacy exposure or data misuse may increase when outside teams access your systems.

You rely on the provider to apply patches, follow security policies, and protect sensitive traffic. Choose vendors with clear compliance records and detailed security practices. Confirm how the vendor manages delivery, repairs, and upgrade timelines.

Long-term costs vs. ownership

Monthly payments keep costs predictable. But over several years, HaaS may cost more than buying hardware outright.

Businesses with stable infrastructure and strong internal IT may benefit from ownership instead. Some businesses benefit more from outsourced hardware management. Run a cost analysis before signing a multi-year contract.

Provider reliability

HaaS works only if the vendor delivers on support. Missed updates or delayed replacements can hurt productivity.

Make sure the vendor offers clear service level agreements (SLAs). Strong vendors communicate clearly and resolve problems quickly. The service must adapt as your business changes.

Scalability and customization limits

Some HaaS providers offer fixed packages with limited flexibility. That can block changes as your network evolves.

The service must align with long-term operational needs. Check if the hardware can adapt to new environments or security policies. Look for vendors who tailor deployments.

HaaS can solve major IT problems, but only with the right partner and pricing model. Evaluate each risk before switching from ownership to service. Make sure the plan supports both short-term use and long-term business goals.

Rolling out HaaS: A 5-step implementation plan

HaaS only works when the plan matches your network goals. A provider can manage the hardware, but your team still defines what success looks like. Each step below helps prevent surprises and keeps the service aligned with real business needs.

How should a business roll out Hardware as a Service?

A business should roll out HaaS only when the plan matches its network goals. A provider can manage the hardware, but your team still defines what success looks like. Each step below helps prevent surprises and keeps the service aligned with real business needs.

Start with a full hardware audit

List every device in your environment.

Take note of which devices:

• Fail often
• Are outdated
• No longer meet user needs

You don’t need to run complex diagnostics. Collect relevant inputs from support records and internal feedback. The goal is to understand what’s missing or holding your team back.

Define technical requirements before you choose hardware

Define the technical requirements for each location. Capture site-level constraints that affect hardware selection. Plan for business growth and evolving network demands.

Each input helps the provider map the right equipment to your environment. Clear specs avoid overbuying and reduce delays during installation.

Choose a provider that manages the full lifecycle

Avoid vendors that only ship hardware or charge extra for support. Choose a partner that manages hardware over its full lifecycle.

Strong vendors track each device over time. Expect regular reporting that tracks hardware performance.

Set clear terms before deployment starts

Review the contract with your legal and IT teams. Set clear expectations around service and response timelines. Clarify roles and responsibilities before the agreement begins.

Good providers define each SLA in writing. Strong planning helps avoid future disputes and service gaps.

Monitor results and stay involved after launch

Ask for regular performance reports. Review recent activity to spot patterns in network performance. Ask your teams if the current devices still meet job needs.

Schedule check-ins with your provider to review what’s working. Use scheduled check-ins to align the service with evolving needs.

Why Meter is different from a typical HaaS provider

Meter is not a vendor that drops off hardware and leaves. We manage the full network from hardware to ongoing support.

Our team designs and builds the hardware we use. That gives us control over how devices perform and how they get updated.

Each device works with our platform out of the box. Fewer compatibility issues mean faster setup.

Businesses get access to Command. Our Command feature gives teams a central place to manage the network. Teams can track performance and apply changes from one place. Anyone on the team can manage settings without deep technical knowledge.

Meter also manages internet service alongside the hardware. We handle all tasks related to internet delivery.

One rate covers the entire network across all locations. No separate contracts or support fees. Most HaaS vendors resell third-party hardware. Meter delivers a system designed to grow with your business.

Frequently asked questions

What are the cost implications of HaaS?

The cost implications of HaaS include replacing upfront hardware purchases with a fixed monthly fee. Businesses avoid surprise charges for repairs or upgrades.

How can businesses transition to a HaaS model?

Businesses can transition to a HaaS model by auditing current hardware and defining technical needs. A qualified provider handles setup and lifecycle support.

How does HaaS help businesses save money?

HaaS helps businesses save money by removing the cost of owning and maintaining equipment. The provider handles ongoing hardware support and coordination.

Can you customize HaaS for different business needs?

HaaS adapts to different environments and operational needs. Meter delivers tailored hardware as part of a managed network built for scale.

Upgrade smarter with Meter: Explore Hardware as a Service

HaaS helps you avoid hardware ownership and scale without friction. Meter delivers a fully-managed network that includes the hardware, the installation, and the support.

We handle upgrades, monitor performance, and manage each device over time. You get the infrastructure you need without the capex or extra work for your IT team.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Complete enterprise networking solution: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.