Imagine never worrying about outdated network hardware or maintenance struggles. Hardware as a Service (HaaS) gives you top-tier hardware on a subscription basis. With Meter, you also get the services of setup, support, and hassle-free upgrades as part of your HaaS plan.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What Hardware as a Service (HaaS) is
• How it works
• Why choose HaaS instead of buying hardware?
• Some examples of HaaS
• Is HaaS right for your business?
• How HaaS benefits your business
• What to watch out for
• How to implement it
• How Meter’s services can help

What is Hardware as a Service (HaaS)?

Hardware as a Service (HaaS) lets businesses rent hardware instead of buying it. Instead of paying a huge lump sum for equipment, businesses rent what they need on a subscription basis. Instead of shelling out a fortune for equipment that starts aging the second it’s unboxed, companies get a steady supply of working, well-maintained gear.

The provider handles the setup, maintenance, and upgrades, so there’s no scrambling to replace outdated tech. If something breaks, they fix it. If a newer model makes more sense, they swap it in. It’s like leasing a car, but for your IT gear—without the trouble of dealing with a dealership.

How does HaaS work?

Hardware as a Service lets businesses lease hardware instead of buying it, bundling equipment with maintenance, upgrades, and support. Instead of sinking cash into devices that will be outdated in a few years, companies pay a recurring fee and get the latest gear, fully managed by the provider. Here’s how it all comes together.

A predictable monthly cost instead of a big upfront bill

Rather than dropping a chunk of their budget on new hardware, businesses pay a recurring fee. That fee covers not just the equipment but also maintenance, support, and upgrades. This setup keeps costs predictable and prevents the dreaded cycle of buying expensive devices only to replace them a few years later.

Setup without the headaches

The provider installs and configures everything, making sure the hardware plays nice with existing systems. Since they handle deployment, businesses don’t have to waste time troubleshooting or worrying about downtime.

Maintenance and support built in

If something breaks, the provider fixes it. If a better model comes out, they swap it in. Regular updates and proactive maintenance keep systems running as they should, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. Instead of scrambling to repair or replace aging equipment, businesses can focus on what actually matters.

Easy scaling for changing needs

HaaS makes it simple to add or remove hardware as business needs change. Whether a company is expanding or cutting back, they can adjust their hardware setup without making huge capital investments.

HaaS vs. buying hardware

Trying to decide whether to buy hardware outright or use it through HaaS? The answer depends on how much control, flexibility, and cash flow matter to your business.

Buying hardware gives full ownership—no recurring fees, no service contracts. But it also means taking on all the maintenance, upgrades, and eventual replacements. IT teams have to plan hardware refresh cycles, troubleshoot issues, and keep everything running.

If a router dies or a workstation slows to a crawl, it’s on the business to fix or replace it. The upfront cost is higher, but over time, ownership can sometimes be the cheaper option—if the hardware lasts long enough to justify the spend.

HaaS, on the other hand, turns hardware into a service, bundling equipment, maintenance, and upgrades into one predictable monthly fee. Businesses avoid the big upfront investment, and when something breaks, the provider handles it.

The biggest advantage is that companies don’t get stuck with outdated hardware. When it’s time for an upgrade, new gear gets swapped in without additional capital spending.

So which one is better? It comes down to priorities. Businesses with large IT budgets and in-house teams that can manage hardware may prefer to buy. Companies that need flexibility, predictable costs, and fewer IT issues often find HaaS a better fit.

Examples of HaaS

HaaS covers a range of hardware that businesses rely on daily. Instead of buying and maintaining equipment themselves, companies lease it from a provider who takes care of setup, support, and upgrades. Let's look at some common examples.

Networking hardware without the hassle

Routers, switches, and access points keep a network running, but dealing with them in-house can be a nightmare. With HaaS, businesses rent the gear while the provider handles setup, maintenance, and swapping out old equipment. No more panicked calls to IT when a router dies—everything stays up to date without issue.

Security systems that stay up-to-date

Some HaaS providers include firewalls and intrusion detection systems in their offerings. These devices monitor traffic, block threats, and help prevent cyberattacks. Leasing security hardware means businesses always have current protection without worrying about hardware becoming obsolete.

Wi-Fi that works everywhere

Good Wi-Fi isn’t optional—it’s what keeps everything going. HaaS lets businesses get enterprise-grade access points and security appliances without dropping a fortune upfront.

Providers will:

• Handle the setup.
• Keep connections strong.
• Make sure there aren’t any dead zones lurking in the office.

No need to wrestle with settings or wonder why the signal disappears in the conference room—it’s all taken care of.

Smarter network management without big spending

Some HaaS providers throw in network optimization tools, making it easier to:

• Track bandwidth.
• Cut down on interference.
• Plan for future growth.

Instead of splurging on fancy hardware and software, businesses get expert-managed solutions that keep everything running without surprise IT fires.

Fully managed IT hardware

HaaS isn’t just about networking—some providers also lease workstations, servers, and storage. The best part? They handle the monitoring, support, and upkeep, so businesses don’t have to. No more worrying about outdated equipment or surprise failures—just working tech that stays, well, working.

Does HaaS make sense for every business?

HaaS is a great fit for many companies, but it’s not for everyone. Some businesses will benefit more than others. 

Businesses that benefit the most usually have:

• High hardware turnover
• Limited IT staff
• Unpredictable growth 

Startups, retail chains, healthcare providers, and enterprises with remote locations all rely on HaaS to keep IT infrastructure flexible and manageable.

Other businesses may find ownership more practical. Companies with highly specialized hardware—like media production studios, manufacturing plants, or research labs—may need custom setups that HaaS providers don’t offer.

There’s also the financial factor. HaaS eliminates big capital expenses, but long-term subscription fees can add up. If a business has the cash flow to invest in its own hardware and the IT resources to manage it, buying may be the better option.

For most businesses, the real decision isn’t just HaaS vs. buying, but also the cost, flexibility, and IT workload. If managing hardware feels like a distraction, HaaS makes sense. If a company prefers full control and long-term cost savings, owning might be the better play.

Benefits of HaaS

Getting hardware through HaaS offers businesses many benefits. Instead of managing IT equipment in-house, companies get up-to-date hardware without the big upfront investment.

Lower costs, fewer surprises

Buying hardware outright ties up capital, while HaaS spreads costs into predictable monthly payments. That makes budgeting easier and frees up cash for other priorities.

No more maintenance headaches

The provider takes care of repairs, updates, and upgrades, so businesses don’t have to worry about outdated equipment or surprise failures. Hardware stays in good shape without constant IT intervention.

Always up-to-date hardware

Technology moves fast, and outdated hardware can slow everything down. With HaaS, businesses get regular upgrades, so they aren’t stuck using last decade’s equipment while competitors move ahead.

Scaling without the stress

Need more hardware? Scale up. Need less? Scale down. HaaS lets businesses adjust their setup based on demand without having to commit to expensive purchases.

IT teams can focus on bigger problems

With hardware management off their plate, IT teams can spend less time troubleshooting devices and more time working on projects that actually move the business forward.

Stronger security, built in

Some HaaS providers include security features like encrypted storage, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. That means better protection against network security threats without extra hardware costs.

Compliance made easier

Regulations change, and keeping hardware up to standard can be a headache. HaaS providers often handle updates and security patches, helping businesses stay compliant without extra effort.

Less e-waste, more sustainability

Constantly replacing hardware creates electronic waste. HaaS extends hardware lifecycles, reduces unnecessary upgrades, and ensures proper disposal or recycling when equipment is retired.

Faster issue resolution

If something breaks, businesses don’t have to scramble to find a fix. HaaS providers offer quick replacements and repairs, keeping downtime to a minimum.

What to watch out for with HaaS

HaaS can take a lot of burden out of managing hardware, but not every provider delivers the same level of service. Some agreements are flexible and transparent, while others come with rigid contracts, surprise fees, or outdated equipment. Before signing up, here’s what to keep an eye on.

Long-term contracts that lock you in

Some HaaS agreements are more like a gym membership you can’t escape—easy to start, hard to cancel. Multi-year contracts might look affordable at first, but they can become a problem if your business needs change. Make sure there’s room to scale up, scale down, or exit the agreement without excessive penalties.

Hidden fees that add up

The monthly price might seem reasonable, but what does it actually include? Some providers charge extra for maintenance, replacements, or even basic troubleshooting. Others limit the number of hardware refreshes, leaving businesses stuck with aging equipment unless they pay more. Always check the fine print to understand what’s included and what’s going to cost extra.

Outdated hardware disguised as "new"

Not all providers cycle in cutting-edge gear. Some use HaaS as a way to offload older models before retiring them completely. If you're paying for a service that promises up-to-date hardware, make sure that means current-generation equipment—not last decade’s leftovers. Ask about refresh cycles and whether upgrades are included in the plan.

Limited control over hardware choices

HaaS works best when the provider offers equipment that aligns with your business needs. However, some providers limit options, offering a one-size-fits-all approach that might not fit at all. If your business relies on specific hardware configurations, check whether the provider supports them—or if you’ll be forced into using whatever they happen to offer.

Slow support and replacements

One of the biggest benefits of HaaS is offloading maintenance, but that only works if the provider actually responds quickly. A broken router or failing server shouldn’t take days to replace. Check the provider’s service-level agreements (SLAs) to see how long it takes to get support, repairs, or replacements. If they’re vague about response times, that’s a red flag.

Data security and compliance risks

Leased hardware still stores sensitive business data, which means security matters. Some providers handle data wiping and disposal when hardware is returned, but not all do it properly.

If your business has compliance requirements—such as HIPAA or GDPR—make sure the provider follows the right security protocols. The last thing you want is customer data lingering on a device after it leaves your hands.

If you’ve considered all this and want to move forward with HaaS, here’s what it looks like:

How to implement HaaS

Implementing Hardware as a Service (HaaS) requires careful planning, selecting a reliable provider, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Here are actionable tips to help you successfully implement HaaS in your business:

Assess business needs and hardware requirements

Rolling out Hardware as a Service is more than a contract and a prayer. A smooth transition takes planning, the right provider, and a setup that actually fits your business needs. Here’s how to get it right.

Stop guessing—figure out what you actually need

Before jumping into HaaS, take a hard look at your current setup:

• What’s working?
• What’s outdated?
• What’s slowing people down?

An IT audit helps map out where new hardware is needed. The best way to spot tech bottlenecks is to ask the people dealing with them every day. If employees are constantly complaining about slow computers or dead Wi-Fi zones, that’s a clue.

Thinking long-term is just as important. If your team is growing, you’ll need more devices. If remote work is expanding, networking and security might need an upgrade. HaaS should support both today’s needs and whatever comes next.

The key is focusing on performance, not specific brands. Instead of picking exact models, define what the hardware should do:

• Faster processing
• Better connectivity
• Stronger security

HaaS providers often have standard options that check all those boxes.

Not all providers are created equal

Choosing the right provider makes all the difference. Some specialize in office workstations, while others focus on networking or security hardware. The best providers offer hardware that fits your technical and security needs, along with clear service agreements that spell out maintenance, support, and upgrades.

Scalability is another big one. If your business suddenly needs more equipment, the provider should make that easy. And if something breaks, fast replacements keep everything running. No one wants to wait weeks for a new router.

Make sure new hardware doesn’t cause chaos

Once you’ve picked a provider, the next step is making sure everything fits into your existing setup. New hardware should work with your current software, cloud services, and network infrastructure without causing problems.

A solid installation plan keeps downtime to a minimum. It also helps to train employees on any new equipment, so they’re not stuck figuring things out on their own.

Check in and fine-tune as needed

Even the best setup needs adjustments. After everything is in place, track how well it’s working. Are employees still running into slowdowns? Is everything running as expected?

Checking in with your provider helps fine-tune the setup and catch issues before they become real problems. HaaS isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s about keeping hardware up to date without the usual stress.

How HaaS impacts IT teams

Handing off hardware management sounds great, but what does that actually mean for IT teams? In short—it frees them up to focus on bigger things.

Without HaaS, IT departments spend a lot of time dealing with hardware:

• Troubleshooting slow computers
• Replacing broken routers
• Managing firmware updates
• Planning hardware refresh cycles

That’s a lot of hands-on work that doesn’t always drive the business forward.

With HaaS, IT teams shift from fixing to strategizing. Instead of manually maintaining hardware, they oversee vendor management, security policies, and system integrations.

They make sure:

• SLAs are met.
• New devices fit into existing workflows.
• The hardware setup supports long-term business goals.

This shift is a big win for IT departments looking to move away from break-fix work and into higher-level strategy. But it also means businesses need to choose the right HaaS provider—one that delivers reliable service, fast support, and hardware that aligns with business needs.

How Meter enhances HaaS implementation

Meter offers Hardware as a Service tailored to business needs, handling setup, support, and upgrades. With Meter managing hardware, your network engineers can focus on more important network tasks.

What you get with Meter’s services:

• Hardware that supports a fast and reliable connection: Meter’s switches streamline your setup for better connections you can trust.
• Expertise in deploying HaaS solutions: With a deep understanding of enterprise needs, Meter provides customized solutions that align with the specific goals and challenges of each business.
• Ongoing support: Meter offers extensive support, including setup, maintenance, and upgrades, to ensure businesses can rely on a streamlined experience from initial deployment through ongoing management.
• Advanced monitoring tools: To ensure optimal hardware performance, Meter utilizes advanced monitoring tools that provide real-time insights into hardware health and performance, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing the risk of downtime.
• Enhanced security measures: We offer enhanced security measures as part of our HaaS solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and our custom security appliance device with secure access protocols.
• Cost management: Meter’s subscription-based HaaS model helps businesses manage costs effectively by converting large capital expenditures into predictable operating expenses.
• Flexible plans: Meter provides flexible plans to support business growth and changes, allowing businesses to scale their HaaS solutions up or down as needed, ensuring they have the appropriate hardware resources at all times.

Contact Meter today for a free trial.‍