Just because you have a money making machine doesn&#x27;t mean you&#x27;ll necessarily want to keep it for yourself.<p>The businesses (technology providers vs the owner of a current mining machine) are a bit different. A technology provider might have the expertise to manufacture the rigs or run the datacenter. The &quot;owner&quot; (quotes because it might be on paper only) provides upfront capital, in exchange for future uncertain returns from mining (uncertain for a host of reasons including the uncertainties of mining success, uncertainties in the speed of depreciation, and uncertainties in the future price of Bitcoin). The technology provider may not want to take these risks - or be unable to provide the capital outlay.<p>This means there&#x27;s potential value to both parties in making a trade.<p>(The question of whether the technology provider is reneging by running the machine for themselves is obviously a separate question)