Businesses looking to improve enterprise connectivity often face a common issue—how to manage hardware without constant upgrades, outages, or budget spikes.

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) offers a solution: Lease the equipment you need, keep it updated, and let someone else handle the support.

Meter delivers HaaS as part of a full network service, covering setup, monitoring, and upgrades—all under one plan.

What is Hardware as a Service (HaaS), and how does it work?

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) lets businesses rent hardware with support included. Instead of buying devices, you pay a monthly fee. That fee covers setup, support, repairs, and upgrades.

We install the gear, make sure it works with your systems, and keep it up to date. If something breaks, we fix it. If there’s a better model, we swap it in. You don’t deal with aging hardware or surprise costs.

Need to scale up or down? Just tell us. You can add or remove gear without big spending or delays.

The 4 key benefits of Hardware as a Service (HaaS)

HaaS helps businesses stay current with their hardware without buying it outright. We manage everything from installation to upgrades and make costs easier to plan. Here's how it works in practice.

Cost efficiency with no large upfront payments

Leasing hardware means no huge one-time expense. You pay a flat monthly fee instead.

We give businesses full hardware access with none of the buying cost. You pay only for what you need, and stop when you no longer need it.

Our pricing stays predictable—no spikes, no hidden charges. That helps with budgeting and gives teams more room to spend where it matters.

Scaling hardware needs with zero hassle

You can scale hardware up or down based on your needs—fast.

Growing team? Add devices. Slow season? Cut back.

We support fast changes without major delays or long contracts. HaaS makes this easy, and we make it easier by handling the logistics for you. That’s helpful for seasonal businesses, remote teams, and startups adjusting to market shifts.

No repair or upgrade costs to worry about

You don’t pay extra to maintain or upgrade devices. We do that for you.

All hardware under our service gets updated, replaced, and repaired when needed. If a newer device makes more sense, we make the switch. There’s no waiting for old gear to fail or wasting money on one-time fixes.

Full-time support and built-in security

Every HaaS plan with Meter includes expert help and secure hardware.

We support the hardware we lease with a dedicated team that knows your setup. When something goes wrong, we step in fast.

Devices follow strong security standards, and we help you stay aligned with compliance needs. You stay focused on work—we handle the rest.

Types of Hardware Provided through HaaS

HaaS includes more than just basic devices. It covers the full range of business hardware needs—from core network gear to full-service support plans. Here's what businesses typically lease.

Networking hardware

Routers, switches, and access points are the foundation of any business network.

We provide these devices as part of our HaaS offering. Businesses avoid upfront purchases and skip the hassle of managing installations.

We configure the hardware to fit your environment and maintain it over time. If a device fails or becomes outdated, we replace it without delay.

Networking hardware leased through HaaS makes it easier to scale, upgrade, and stay current across your entire enterprise network infrastructure. There’s no guessing on compatibility or performance—it just works.

Security systems

Firewalls and intrusion detection systems are often part of a full HaaS plan. We lease hardware that protects networks from threats inside and out. Our team handles deployment and keeps devices updated. That means stronger protection without more admin overhead. You get the latest tools to defend against evolving risks.

Active hardware management

Some providers stop at hardware. We go further by managing how that hardware performs every day.

Active hardware management covers wireless networks, bandwidth optimization, and full system monitoring. It includes leased access points, controllers, and the tools to track and tune your network’s health.

Some vendors offer only basic service—just the gear and minimal setup. Others, like us, provide full-service management: what’s often called Network as a Service (NaaS). That includes Wi-Fi design, traffic shaping, capacity planning, and end-to-end monitoring.

With NaaS, you don’t just lease a box—you lease the outcome. That means stable coverage, efficient bandwidth use, and support that steps in when something breaks.

We adjust the environment as your needs grow or change, all without needing you to manage the tech behind it. See the following chart to compare the features of a HaaS system vs. traditional networks:

HaaS vs. traditional hardware ownership

Owning hardware gives full control, but it comes with long-term costs and risks. HaaS shifts those costs into a simple service with more flexibility.

Buying gear means paying up front. Once it’s yours, you own it—but you also own the problems.

When a device breaks, slows down, or becomes outdated, fixing or replacing it is your job. Upgrades often get delayed because they require more capital spending.

We take a different route.

With HaaS, you lease the hardware and skip the upfront costs. We manage setup, support, and upgrades. If something breaks, we handle it. If a better device is available, we switch it out.

That keeps your tech up to date without sudden costs or surprise downtime.

Real-world applications and use cases of HaaS

HaaS makes sense for more than just IT-heavy firms. From hospitals to classrooms, the model fits any environment where uptime, budget control, and flexibility matter.

Tech startups

Startups need to move fast and spend wisely. Buying hardware early drains capital. Leasing it instead lets startups scale without a massive spend.

We offer gear that can grow with your teams, and swap it when your needs change. That means startups get modern tools, avoid lock-in, and skip repair bills—freeing up time to build the product, not the IT stack.

Healthcare

Clinics and hospitals depend on reliable devices—but not every provider has deep IT support.

HaaS gives healthcare teams up-to-date hardware with zero maintenance stress.

We manage upgrades, replace failing gear fast, and make sure security standards stay in place. That keeps patient systems running without gaps or costly service calls.

No need to worry about outdated devices holding back care delivery.

Education

Schools and universities need technology that works across large campuses—and tight budgets.

With HaaS, schools lease what they need today and grow later.

We handle classroom Wi-Fi, lab switches, and security tools. If a device fails mid-semester, we replace it fast. Students and teachers stay online, even when the IT staff is stretched thin.

Remote work and distributed teams

Remote teams depend on reliable hardware—but they rarely sit in the same office.

We ship ready-to-go gear to remote employees, manage updates, and replace faulty units when needed. HaaS removes the headache of sourcing, shipping, and supporting devices across time zones. Companies get control without the warehouse.

Retail and manufacturing

Fast-paced environments like retail and manufacturing need devices that don’t get in the way.

We lease point-of-sale systems, barcode scanners, and networking gear—then keep them running.

If a switch fails or a scanner stops reading, we send a new one. That cuts downtime and avoids revenue loss. No need to keep spare units sitting idle on a shelf.

Checklist: How to implement HaaS efficiently

HaaS can simplify IT and lower costs—but only if it’s done right. Here's how to roll it out without wasting time or money.

Start with a clear view of your hardware needs

An audit should always come first. Know what gear you have, what’s missing, and what’s not working.

We recommend reviewing device performance, user feedback, and support tickets. From there, define what’s needed today—and what may be needed a year from now.

Be specific about technical needs like port speeds, power constraints, and Wi-Fi coverage areas. Align hardware goals with the rest of the business, whether it’s expansion, remote hiring, or security upgrades.

Choose a provider that does more than just lease gear

HaaS only works if your provider actually manages the full lifecycle.

We don’t just hand over devices—we manage them. The best providers handle installs, monitor device health, respond to support tickets, and plan replacements.

Look for a partner with experience in your industry. That means fewer surprises when it’s time to scale or adapt. Reach out before signing. Ask questions. A slow response now will likely be a slower one later when it counts.

Lock down your terms before the work starts

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) aren’t just legal fluff—they’re your safety net.

Set clear rules for uptime, repair times, hardware replacements, and support hours. Confirm what’s included and what isn’t.

We include hardware, support, and upgrades in one fee. Some providers don’t—so ask. Define what counts as a missed benchmark and what happens if one occurs. The more precise the SLA, the fewer issues down the line.

Keep score on performance and stay involved

Getting started is only half the job—tracking performance is the rest.

We suggest using basic uptime tracking, usage analytics, and employee feedback. Look for patterns in downtime or hardware issues. Ask teams if their devices still meet job needs.

Have regular check-ins with your provider. That’s where issues get resolved and contracts get improved. If your business is growing, you’ll also want to revisit capacity needs and scaling plans.

What to watch out for with other HaaS providers

Not all Hardware as a Service vendors offer the same value. Many use the term to describe basic leasing plans with limited support. That can leave teams dealing with surprise costs, outdated gear, or poor service response.

Support is often minimal

Some providers only deliver the gear. If something breaks or slows down, you may wait days—or pay extra—for help.

Upgrades aren’t always automatic

Just because you lease the device doesn’t mean you’ll get a newer one later. Some vendors treat HaaS like a rental with no long-term lifecycle plan.

Hardware might not be theirs

Resellers often lease third-party gear without deep integration. That means more issues with compatibility, slower updates, and no control over performance tuning.

Pricing is rarely transparent

You might see hidden charges for installs, maintenance, or device swaps. If your provider bills per unit or feature, costs can grow fast without warning.

Support doesn’t scale

Handling multiple locations or a growing team often means juggling contacts or contracts. Many providers aren’t built to serve large, multi-site deployments.

SLAs are vague or missing

Without clear rules for repair times, support windows, or device replacements, you’re left guessing when things go wrong.

We’ve designed our service to avoid those traps entirely.

Meter gives you full control without the usual friction—no mystery charges, no slow upgrades, and no off-the-shelf gear. We handle the hardware and everything that comes with it.

‍

Why Meter is different from the average HaaS provider

Most HaaS providers lease hardware. We deliver a full-service network platform.

We don’t just drop off gear and fix it when it breaks. We design our own hardware, manage your network from end to end, and support every piece of the system with a software-led service.

That’s why what we offer goes far past traditional Hardware as a Service—it’s a vertically integrated network built for real enterprise scale.

We build our own hardware

Standard HaaS vendors only resell other companies’ gear. 

Our team designs and manufactures Meter hardware—from access points to switches. That gives us full control over performance, updates, and compatibility. 

Each device is built to work perfectly with our platform, which means faster fixes, smoother installs, and fewer problems later on.

We lead with software

Most providers handle hardware reactively. We manage it proactively—using software that sees issues before they start.

Our Command platform gives customers a live view of their network, complete with automation and plain-language controls.

You can change settings, monitor performance, and fix problems with a few clicks—no need for deep technical skills. The system acts as a digital twin of your full setup, which means fewer surprises and smarter decisions.

Our pricing model is simple and aligned

We charge based on square footage, not per device or feature. That makes costs predictable and fair—especially for businesses that grow fast. Everything is included in the monthly rate: installs, upgrades, support, ISP management, and even hardware swaps.

We don’t stack charges for licenses or maintenance. If your space gets larger, your rate adjusts automatically. The larger you grow, the lower your per-square-foot cost becomes.

We do more than manage hardware

Meter coordinates your entire network lifecycle—including your internet connection.

We don’t just manage routers and switches. We handle internet procurement, coordinate with ISPs, and offer buyback credit for old gear. That removes a major burden from your IT team and clears the way for upgrades without sunk costs.

You get one point of contact for everything network-related.

We scale with your business, not against it

Our platform supports thousands of locations with one shared interface. We standardize installs, automate deployments, and let you manage multi-site networks without extra complexity.

If you’re opening a new office, we can have it live in days. Our system is built to grow with you—and we don’t charge extra just because you need more sites.

We’re in it for the long term

Most HaaS vendors aim to move products. We invest in customer outcomes.

We partner with your team to keep systems modern, networks fast, and upgrades painless. That includes helping you transition from legacy setups, coordinating across vendors, and removing guesswork from your IT roadmap.

We’re not here to sell gear—we’re here to make sure your network just works.

Frequently asked questions

Can SaaS include hardware?

Not typically, no. Software as a Service focuses on software, not physical devices.

Does PaaS include hardware?

Platform as a Service does not cover hardware. It offers software tools and cloud resources only.

Does hardware ever fall under SaaS?

Hardware is not included in SaaS plans. SaaS only delivers software via the cloud.

What happens if hardware fails under HaaS?

We replace the broken hardware fast. There’s no extra charge or delay involved.

Can I scale my hardware up or down anytime?

Yes, you can. Just contact us and we’ll make the necessary changes.

What types of businesses benefit from HaaS?

Startups, schools, and healthcare teams benefit. Any business needing flexibility and uptime qualifies.

Is internet service included in Meter’s HaaS?

Yes, it is. We manage your internet along with your leased hardware.

Do I need in-house IT to use HaaS?

No, you don’t. We manage everything—from installation to monitoring.

How Meter enhances HaaS implementation

We deliver Hardware as a Service that fits your business—setup, support, and upgrades included. With Meter managing the hardware, your team can focus on strategy, not device upkeep.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: 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.