Workplace as a Service
Workplace as a Service is a further development of the Software as a Service principle . In the Workplace as a Service model, the customer is provided with the software and the necessary hardware. A complete workplace is set up. The provider also takes over the installation, provision and maintenance of the workplace. The components are not paid for or leased, instead a monthly amount is to be paid over the period of use. The period of use is specified in the contract.
Comparison of traditional IT administration with Workplace as a Service
In the traditional model, the customer invests in hardware and software himself . Choosing the right components is an expensive, risky and complex investment. By purchasing the components, the customer receives the right to use them. The IT service provider is usually only called in externally for the installation and commissioning of the system and contacted in the event of malfunctions.
The basic idea of Workplace as a Service, however, is similar to that of a telecommunications provider who provides an Internet connection. The customer pays a monthly fee to get an internet connection. The telecommunications company provides the necessary components to ensure the connection. With the Workplace as a Service model, the service provider provides the software and hardware and provides technical support and advice. The software updates and data backup services are carried out by the service provider. The hardware is ordered, made available and set up by the service provider.
The main difference between the models is that the customer no longer manages the IT tasks and his IT infrastructure himself, but these are taken over by the service provider. The customer no longer pays an entire software license, but a monthly amount to the service provider.
Advantages and disadvantages of workplace as a service
From the point of view of the service recipient
advantages
- Low investment risk
- IT costs remain transparent and can be checked on a monthly basis
- Data is secured externally at all times
- Concentration on the core business
- State-of-the-art hardware
The Workplace as a Service model has many advantages, especially for small and medium-sized companies. By outsourcing the IT infrastructure to an external service provider, the company can focus on its core business or added value. Since the hardware is made available and the components are put together by the service provider, the customer can rely on the knowledge of experts. Such an offer is particularly attractive for companies with limited IT resources, since an investment does not have to be made in full. Growth, flexibility and competitiveness are increased as IT becomes a commodity again.
disadvantage
- Dependence on the service provider
- Less customization options
The service recipients are in a relationship of dependence on the service provider. This harbors the risk that the service provider can no longer provide the system due to insolvency . The lower data security is often cited as a disadvantage, since confidential data is with the service provider. However, the security standards for the protection of sensitive data are adhered to by all important Workplace as a Service providers. In addition, many potential security gaps do not exist if the applications do not run on the end devices but in the service provider's data center.
From the perspective of the service provider
advantages
- Long-term secured income
- Software piracy is becoming less likely
- Larger offer for the customer
- Larger customer base
- Damage to end devices can be detected early
The provider can count on income over a longer period of time. The bookkeeping can therefore be planned over a longer period of time, since the expected income is already fixed. The service provider can offer the customer a larger range of possible solutions than before, so that companies with a low IT budget can also be counted among the customer base. Since the end devices are monitored for faults, possible damage can be avoided before it occurs.
disadvantage
- Adjustments to the respective employee are necessary
- Guarantee of usability for the customer
- Security concerns among customers
The employees of the respective company often have different requirements for the new job. Field workers or managers have completely different requirements in terms of mobility, networking, security or availability than a production worker. The service provider must adapt the workplaces in each case. At the same time, the customer or employee must be able to operate the workplace without any hurdles. Although the Workplace-as-a-Service concept offers many advantages in terms of security, the security concerns of many companies are the greatest barrier, especially in Germany. These concerns must be addressed by the providers.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Workplace-as-a-Service - rent the IT workstation instead of buying it | heise Business Services. (No longer available online.) Archived from the original on October 26, 2017 ; Retrieved October 26, 2017 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Analytics-as-a-Service: GE shows how Industry 4.0 works - computerwoche.de. Retrieved October 26, 2017 .
- ↑ Workplace-as-a-Service must meet these five core requirements . In: SearchDataCenter.de . ( searchdatacenter.de [accessed October 26, 2017]).
- ↑ Workplace-as-a-Service: Workplace concepts of the future - computerwoche.de. Retrieved October 26, 2017 .
- ↑ Experton Group: The market is ready for SaaS - computerwoche.de. Retrieved October 26, 2017 .
- ↑ Workplace-as-a-Service must meet these five core requirements . In: SearchDataCenter.de . ( searchdatacenter.de [accessed October 26, 2017]).
