Device as a Service for Android devices: Step-by-step to a company mobile phone
Device as a Service, or DaaS for short, describes a service model where companies obtain smartphones, tablets, or laptops as a monthly service.
Companies no longer need to purchase devices, set them up individually, and manage them internally. Instead, they receive a complete solution including hardware, service, support, and centralized administration. Android, in particular, offers significant advantages through a wide selection of devices, flexible pricing structures, and various usage models for companies of all sizes.
This article explains how the DaaS model works with Android devices, the available deployment models, and which companies can benefit most from this model.
Why Android for Device as a Service?
Android is particularly attractive in the enterprise environment because companies can choose from many manufacturers, price ranges, and device categories. Additionally, Android enterprise devices are offered specifically for businesses; these are designed to be managed with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, allowing for comprehensive security.
Android also offers further advantages in the DaaS model:
- Wide selection of business devices
- Devices for every budget
- Rugged smartphones for industry and field service
- Seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures
- High flexibility during rollouts
- Modern security features
- Easy centralized management
Those looking to purchase modern company mobile phones and/or tablets will often find Android to be the most economical solution..
Tip: If you need more help deciding whether Android or Apple devices are the right choice for you, watch our video “Apple vs. Android”.
How can Android devices be set up? COBO, COPE & BYOD explained
A major advantage of these devices is the wide range of setup options. This means that Android offers a suitable model for almost every company. The models primarily differ in their setup process and the access an IT administrator has to the device, for example, to enforce security policies.
You can find a comprehensive overview of Android setup models in our video: Android for business.
COBO- Corporate Owned, Business Only
The COBO model means that the device belongs to the company and is used primarily or exclusively for business purposes. This is the most common model for leased devices. With COBO devices, especially Samsung devices, the MDM has the most extensive access. This ensures maximum security and full control over apps and restrictions for the company.
DaaS process and setup on Android COBO devices:
After ordering the hardware as Android Enterprise devices, they reach the DaaS provider. Beforehand, it’s necessary to clarify which apps and policies the customers require. At IOTIQ, this is done in a personal consultation. Appropriate groups are created in the MDM (Mobile Device Management) system to properly separate departments. The relevant company-specified apps are added to these groups, and the security policies are configured accordingly.
As soon as the hardware is powered on, it goes through the enrollment process in the MDM. This is particularly fast with Android Zero Touch, but manual setup is also completed in just a few minutes. The device automatically downloads all apps and policies and can even be put directly into kiosk mode.
COPE – Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled
In the COPE model, the mobile phone or tablet belongs to the company, but employees are allowed to use it for private purposes as well. This is a popular benefit, especially for smaller companies. Android offers complete separation of usage areas into two containers on COPE devices: “Personal” and “Work.” This separation ensures that private data cannot be viewed by the company. Conversely, business data remains restricted to the work area.
The IT administrator has full access to the work area, while only limited MDM functions are available for the private area.
DaaS process and setup on Android COPE devices:
The setup process for Android COPE devices is not fundamentally different from that for COBO devices. During the COPE setup process, you select that the smartphone or tablet will be used for “personal and business” purposes.This automatically sets up two containers for the device.
Apps and policies can now be applied to the business area. The user can also download their own apps for personal use.
BYOD – Bring Your Own Device
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) means that a smartphone or tablet is used primarily for personal use, but also for work. This is often the case when employees are reluctant to carry an additional company phone or when there simply isn’t enough budget for dedicated company phones. BYOD devices also have two storage containers – however, the administrator does not have access to the personal portion of the device.
DaaS process and setup on Android BYOD devices:
BYOD devices are generally not obtained and set up via DaaS providers, as they are usually already available. Furthermore, the setup is performed by the users themselves, who download the MDM client app from the Google Play Store and register independently.
Tip: Learn more about the different setup options for Android devices on our help page.
The Device-as-a-Service process explained
DaaS is particularly suitable when a company has little or no capacity to set up and manage the necessary mobile devices. In this case, the DaaS provider takes over the majority of the organization, including proper setup by qualified staff, on-time delivery, and subsequent support.
Get your new Android devices in just a few steps:
- Analyze requirements:
This is done either in advance by the company itself or together with the DaaS provider. The latter can be easier for the company, as DaaS providers often have a better overview of available models and which ones are suitable for which use cases. Additionally, at this stage, the company can consider which security policies, apps, and other settings it needs. - Select and order suitable hardware:
Android offers not only various setup models but also a wide range of hardware types for diverse applications. For example, high-performance Samsung mobile devices can be used in healthcare facilities, or robust rugged devices on construction sites. Android also provides a list of devices that are suitable for business use due to their technical specifications and integrated security features.(For more information, you can find the Android Recommended List here.) - Setting up and delivering devices:
Another major advantage of DaaS is that smartphones or tablets can be professionally set up, ensuring everything works perfectly right from the start. Required apps can be installed in just a few steps, email accounts are pushed directly via MDM, and important security policies are implemented from the outset. This also allows us, as a DaaS provider, to ensure that there are no malfunctions and that users receive their devices fully configured. - Administration and Support:
In addition to the correct setup of the service devices, DaaS also involves ongoing support after commissioning. This might be because company requirements change and settings need to be adjusted, or because users need more support. At IOTIQ GmbH, for example, we offer lifetime support. As long as a device is registered within our service offering, we are available for troubleshooting at any time. - End-of-Life and Replacement:
For companies that opt for DaaS, it’s often crucial to replace mobile hardware after a certain period, usually at the end of the lease term. With DaaS, the company doesn’t have to initiate this process itself—it receives support throughout. New devices are ordered, configured to meet the new requirements, and shipped. Simultaneously, the old smartphones or tablets are collected and completely reset, ensuring no company data remains. Finally, they are returned to the leasing provider.
All the advantages and disadvantages of DaaS at a glance
Predictable costs: Companies have a monthly budget that covers the device price, MDM licenses, and service fees. Booking these services as a package is not only more time-saving but often also cheaper than purchasing them individually. However, it’s important to remember that a monthly subscription can be more expensive than a direct purchase. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify that the device price is no longer included in the monthly budget once it’s paid for.
Reduced IT overhead: Setup, administration, and maintenance are outsourced. Troubleshooting, especially with complex software systems like MDM, isn’t always straightforward. Therefore, it’s essential to have a skilled service partner who can be contacted when problems arise. In companies without their own IT department, the DaaS provider completely replaces the IT administrator. However, long contract terms can become a cost trap, for example, during a company restructuring.
Rapid scaling: New employees receive ready-to-use hardware quickly.
As a company, there’s no need to manually reorder and configure devices. A simple phone call or email to the DaaS provider is all it takes, and the new employee receives the appropriate smartphone or tablet in no time.
Modern security: Given the rise in cybercrime, using mobile devices without an MDM is almost negligent these days. However, we also recognize that MDM isn’t yet universally adopted. At IOTIQ, we therefore recommend bundling hardware and MDM for DaaS solutions – this is the only way to keep company data secure.
Current hardware: Mobile devices reach their end-of-life at the latest when they no longer receive current Android OS updates. However, even before this, loss or damage may necessitate hardware replacement. Using the DaaS model allows for a rapid response to diverse requirements.
Conclusion: Who is DaaS suitable for with Android devices?
Android DaaS combines modern hardware with professional service. Companies receive devices, management, support, and lifecycle management from a single source. This saves time, reduces internal effort, and ensures predictable costs. Especially where smartphones or tablets are used daily, this model provides noticeable relief and streamlines processes. Android DaaS is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without their own IT department or with limited internal resources. Instead of dealing with device selection, MDM configuration, user inquiries, or repairs, an external service provider handles these tasks completely or provides support. Companies with many mobile employees, multiple locations, or frequent staff turnover also benefit. These include, for example, construction companies, care facilities, logistics companies, field service organizations, trades businesses, and chain stores. New employees can be quickly equipped with ready-to-use smartphones or tablets, while existing devices remain centrally managed and secured. Android DaaS is especially advantageous for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without their own IT department or with limited internal resources. Android offers an additional advantage: Thanks to the wide selection of manufacturers and devices, virtually every company can find the right combination of price, performance, and robustness – from affordable business smartphones to rugged devices for demanding work environments. In short, Device as a Service (DaaS) with Android devices is ideal for companies that value modern hardware, high security, low internal overhead, and flexible scalability. For those who want to use mobile hardware professionally without creating a dedicated IT project, Android DaaS offers an economical and future-proof solution.
