Access to innovation finally becomes possible

Accelerating the technology release cycle is a real challenge for companies that must continuously invest significant resources to benefit from it. This is a hindrance for some companies, especially smaller ones, which could rapidly develop their competitiveness by using new generation technologies. We can take the example of 3D printing technologies or the DisplairThis revolutionary screen that projects images from air and water particles... In this example, the 30-inch screen is now offered at a price of 30,000 € HT.

The purchase of these technologies therefore has a cost. It is then necessary to find sources of funding. But which ones? Evolutionary leasing seems to be a possibility. It allows you to contain your costs while gaining access to revolutionary technologies. The One Shot purchase is no longer the rule and becomes the exception in a changing market.

The benefits of the evolutionary rental approach are then of different natures:

- Flexibility of a single contract for the financing of a global project ;
- Choice of type of equipment and duration of contracts ;
- Integration of technological developments ;
- Regular renewal of its fleet thanks to the scalability of its contracts;
- Preservation of its self-financing capacity ;
- Control of its budgets according to the lifespan of the equipment.

Offering its employees innovative tools is therefore no longer a deterrent investment. For example, it is now possible to access technologies worth several tens of thousands of euros for affordable monthly payments that do not burden the company's budget. It is therefore necessary to consider the question of financing technologies and to put in place a flexible purchasing policy that respects the company's budget plan.

Moreover, acquiring a technology through a traditional purchase is not necessarily appropriate as technologies become obsolete very quickly. Moreover, considering that they do not depreciate over a period of three years is an accounting error. Becoming the owner, at the end of the contract, of highly obsolete equipment also means incurring a maintenance cost that is disproportionate to the value of the equipment. This is particularly striking in the case of expensive and advanced technologies.

Evolutionary leasing is therefore a real driver of financing and access to innovation. We must therefore rethink these traditional purchasing processes and not hesitate to turn to flexible financing models. The company can then grow by using new generation technologies at a lower cost.

Cyril Marlaud, Chief Executive Officer of Realease Capital

Responsibilities in the event of a disaster
Although it does not actually own the equipment provided, the rental company still has a responsibility for the equipment, its maintenance and custody. It is therefore essential to protect it with a specific insurance contract. A multi-risk guarantee (theft, fire and damage) with reimbursement when new is provided for in most progressive rental contracts. The rates are variable. Depending on the type of equipment concerned, they range from 0.1 % to 0.5 %. The risk of theft is significantly greater for a laptop than for a server. In the event of a problem, the lessor is covered by a deductible proportional to the type of equipment insured. It is generally fixed and is between 2,500 and 5,000 F. It can also be calculated on the amount of damage. In this case, it can be up to 15 % of the new value (specifically for laptops).

Ahe secrets of a good operating lease contract
First of all, at the end of the contract, there can only be two outcomes: either a relocation, i.e. a renegotiation of the term, or the restitution of the property, which is the case for the vast majority of cases. However, under no circumstances should the evolutive leasing contract include an offer of resale or transfer. Indeed, if this were the case, the contract in question would be immediately (and definitively) requalified as a financial lease by the tax authorities. As a result, the customer would lose all the benefits of the lease. Whether it takes the form of a pact between the lessor and its client or a written clause in the contract, the notion of evolution is rarely detailed because it is impossible to guess in advance which technologies or capacities will be standard in one, two or even three years. On the other hand, it is important to define the waiting period during which the company will not be able to renew its equipment. Insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. The legislation on rentals normally applies, so it is advisable to report any hidden defects as soon as possible when the equipment is put into service.

Respecting commitments to customers
The financing of hardware and software equipment needs to be integrated into a commercial offer very quickly. Whether it is a question of moving from 2D to 3D solutions, or deploying new versions of CAD applications, the renewal of design office equipment is necessary each time. A way must be sought to linearize the overall cost of the investment, while at the same time allowing for constant evolution of equipment and applications. Perfectly adapted to operating budgets, scalable leasing appears to be the ideal solution because the reseller has found a way to meet its commitments to its customers: while charging a constant rent, it allows them to remain in the optimal configuration (platforms and applications) to develop their business and be competitive in a context of international competition. (Source: Interview 01net.com)