What is Hardware as a Service (in managed services)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

Hardware as a Service (in managed services)

Hardware as a Service (HaaS), in a managed services context, is a procurement process similar to licensing. Generally speaking, a managed service provider (MSP) remotely monitors and administers hardware on a client's site on a subscription basis. Because not all hardware lends itself to this model, some MSPs provide on-site hardware for clients and build its cost into their fees. However, this arrangement puts financial strain on the MSP. The HaaS model, in which the vendor allows customers to license the hardware directly, was developed to alleviate that financial strain.

See also Hardware as a Service (in grid computing)

Contributor(s): Yuval Shavit
This was last updated in December 2007

Dig Deeper

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com