According to ZD Net1, traditional personal computer (PC) sales are declining and will continue to do so for the next decade or more. This is because more and more people are beginning to use mobile devices for their work instead. Why? Because they are easier and cheaper to upgrade and purchase.
However, with the recent emergence of the PC as a Service (PCaaS) model which emulates the subscription model now prevalent in the technology world e.g. mobile phone upgrade plans etc, PC and CAD workstation sales are less likely to decline for several reasons. These include:
1. Simplicity
Within the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, the CAD software used on a daily basis needs to be run on a CAD workstation with enough power to handle the demands of this software.
It is common for people to purchase the software from one supplier, the workstation from another and support from another also. With PCaaS, the need to use different suppliers is eliminated as it allows you to procure these assets through one, simple subscription.
2. Lifecycle Management
In addition to being able to procure your hardware, software and support as a subscription, it also takes away the stress of managing these assets e.g. making sure that there are enough software licences, making sure that the hardware meets the demands of the software and checking that the software is installed and verified across every machine.
With the PCaaS model, this lifecycle management almost completely shifts to the supplier allowing you to focus on more strategic ventures.
3. Scalability
PCaaS allows organisations to easily scale up or down. For instance, whether you are taking on a new project and only need additional CAD workstations for a certain period of time, or whether you have increased/decreased your staff count, you can simply reduce/increase the number of devices you lease from the supplier rather than being left with a surplus of devices you may not ever need again.
4. Latest Technology at Your Fingertips
Most PCaaS terms are annual or over a certain period which means that every year or so, when your subscription is up for renewal, you will be given the option to upgrade to the latest software release and a more powerful CAD workstation, keeping you continuously up to date with the latest technology. This prevents you from holding onto ageing devices and will eventually save you more money in the long run.
Earlier last year, Symetri launched its own PCaaS offering which addresses the specific workflow requirements of construction and manufacturing sector businesses. Learn more about our PCaaS offering here.
1 ZD Net https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-pc-as-a-service-is-the-next-big-thing/ (20th December 2018).
