In the interview with Andreas Richstätter and Sven Hillebrecht, both managing directors at Adlon.

Digitalization is not stopping at the provisioning and management process of the digital workplace. For years now, “as a Service” models have been gaining ground in all areas of private and business life. The approach of renting services as needed holds particular potential in the IT sector, as it reduces complexity. ADLON has dedicated itself to this very goal. The company, which has been developing and implementing IT solutions for medium-sized and large customers for over 30 years, is fully focused on the topic of the “digital workplace.” With the rental model Device as a Service (also: Workplace as a Service), the company places great emphasis on an end-to-end view. This includes ordering digital devices for the workplace, provisioning—whether for the home office or the company, automated and secure management, trouble-free operation, and smart device replacement after the end of the term.

In an interview with Andreas Richstätter and Sven Hillebrecht, both managing directors at Adlon, we talk today about the vision behind the “Device-as-a-Service model” (DaaS), clarify why rental or leasing models are so interesting, and what technological aspects are behind this model.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Mr. Richstätter, before we delve deeper into the topic of workplace digitalization, we would first like to know which target group this holistic approach is of great benefit to. Who should definitely look into this Device as a Service model?

Andreas Richstätter: It can be interesting for companies that do not have their own IT or IT department, as well as for large companies that want to focus their IT on their own business and outsource it to a partner using Device as a Service. It is usually a strategic decision behind standardization and automation—i.e., the future viability of the company. In particular, planning security creates additional transparency, because with DaaS, companies pay a fixed price per device. This can be easily scaled up or down based on the number of employees or devices as the company grows. As you can see, all companies benefit from this transparency.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Your company has been active in this field for a long time and has gathered a lot of experience. Where do you see the greatest potential for savings in companies?

Andreas Richstätter: Potential savings are primarily to be found in the IT department. This includes personnel and further training costs, of course. In addition, there are often hidden costs in the provision of workstations. These disappear all at once. However, it is often the downtime costs that really hurt companies. Employees who cannot work because they are waiting for IT devices, who cannot get started on their first day of work, who are forced to pause due to updates or have to wait for IT support. Manual IT services like these are not only time-consuming, but also harm productive operations. And we haven’t even talked about security yet. Once again: reducing complexity saves money and future-proofs the IT department.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How can we imagine a project process in its most important rough steps? Can you give us an overview?

Sven Hillebrecht: There are five fields of action that – very roughly – describe a project process. Let’s start with the question of purchase, leasing or rental. Since most companies are not starting from scratch, there are already devices in the company, and we work together to develop a hybrid model. This means that existing devices can be used until they are fully depreciated, while new devices are immediately transferred to a desired leasing or rental model. Next comes the question of ordering. Together, we compile a shopping basket with selected devices such as laptops, smartphones, monitors, keyboards, etc., from which orders can be placed centrally by purchasing or decentrally by employees themselves. In this step, order cycles and approval processes are also defined.

Then comes the provision of devices. This involves employees setting up the devices themselves. After all, they should receive the devices, open them up and be able to start using them straight away. As this is where the greatest potential for employee experience lies, it is important to carefully discuss issues such as digital instructions, laptop bags and user onboarding packages. In the background, there is a key component of the technology stack. When employees enter their login details, their individual system is configured and applications are provided directly. They get their digital workplace up and running on their computer within minutes. That’s why the technical concept for provisioning is discussed and designed in detail.

For ongoing management and operation, a customized package is put together from standardized Managed Workplace Services. This ensures that security updates and technological developments are responsibly considered and automated. Device replacement is also defined in advance, including the cycle, process and the question of replacement devices. Culture and sustainability play a central role here. We usually start with a POC and test users in different countries with different devices. This is where communication needs and customer-specific requirements are identified and addressed. After a successful test phase, the rollout takes place company-wide – often internationally.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What actually is the idea behind the vision or the "Device-as-a-Service model"?

Sven Hillebrecht: Device as a Service is more than just a technology stack. It is the ITvolution of workplace provision. Because in the long run, manual device provisioning and management will not be able to meet the requirements of home office and mobile working. Information and data protection also play a major role in device management. Furthermore, I would like to highlight the effect on employees themselves. Device as a Service increases workplace attractiveness through smart processes, self-service, unobtrusive information protection and uncomplicated commissioning – even when replacing devices. It’s just easy!

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What makes rental or leasing models in connection with DaaS so exciting?

Sven Hillebrecht: For entrepreneurs and IT decision-makers, it’s the predictable costs and a single point of contact. In other words: everything from one source. And for employees, a smart process for workplace provisioning as well as always having the latest device model.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Let’s take another look at the technology behind Device as a Service. Which core technologies do you use?

Sven Hillebrecht: We use Microsoft 365 with Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Endpoint Manager (specifically Intune) and rely on a partner with both high development power and the best possible focus on security.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Your company will also be represented at the DIGITAL FUTUREcongress at Messe Frankfurt on 17 May 2022. What can visitors expect in your presentation?

Andreas Richstätter: Yes, we are already looking forward to a lively exchange on Device as a Service. We will present the technology stack in detail there and bring along a specific customer story.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: That all sounds incredibly exciting. Thank you very much for this entertaining interview.