Device-as-a-Service Will Power the Access Economy – InformationWeek
Ownership is becoming passé, or at least it’s no longer seen as the primary means for achieving the good life. As what’s been called the ” sharing economy” ” access economy,” or ” collaborative economy ” takes hold, consumers are more open to renting and other options that don’t require a transfer of ownership.
You can also think of this phenomenon as “property as a service.” People will pay for a property-grade consumption experience — such as having full access to someone else’s car or home -when they only need it for a limited term and don’t wish to go into debt, assume title, or take on the other financial burdens associated with ownership. Some startups have branched into facilitating peer-to-peer renting of unused personal devices, such as cameras, musical instruments, and athletic gear.