Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)
IT infrastructure is the foundation that most other computing services sit on top of. It includes servers, data storage, networking resources, security, and data centers. Traditionally, infrastructure requires physical space and hardware to operate.
But with cloud services, businesses access IT infrastructures through the Internet instead. This is infrastructure-as-a-service or IaaS. It’s one of the four primary types of cloud services and it has countless benefits. Some common IaaS applications include:
✔️ lift-and-shift migrations
✔️ Testing and development
✔️ Data storage, backup, and recovery
✔️ Web app support
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How Does IaaS Work?
Businesses choose IaaS over traditional IT infrastructure because it’s easy and affordable. Here’s how it works:
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Third-party service providers “rent” IT infrastructure out
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Businesses pay these providers for services like data storage and networking resources
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IaaS hosts deliver services on-demand through the cloud (Internet)
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Businesses pay for only the services they use or need. Usually, it’s a pay-as-you-go model
This keeps up-front costs low for businesses that need an IT infrastructure. And it prevents businesses from paying for services they don’t need. Plus, businesses can scale IaaS up and down as necessary.
IaaS Platform and Architecture
You can think of IaaS as the first level of cloud services that all other cloud services build upon. In other words, an IT infrastructure is important because it’s the first piece of the puzzle. And there are four main IaaS components:
Networks
Computer networks connect two or more computers together, usually through cables or WiFi. Traditionally, you need physical hardware like routers and switches to support a network. But IaaS enables businesses to access through the cloud, without any hardware.
Storage
There are a few types of cloud storage (block, file, and object). When it comes to IaaS, object storage is the most common because it’s easy to scale, easy to access, and easy to optimize. For these reasons, IaaS is an affordable and smart storage solution for businesses.
Physical Data Centers
Data centers take up a lot of space, and they’re expensive to manage. IaaS providers rent out their data centers to businesses. Businesses enjoy well-managed data centers without having to pay for a private one.
Compute and Memory
Businesses can use IaaS compute and memory services as a “virtual machine.” Instead of buying and managing actual hardware, businesses pay to use computers virtually. IaaS providers offer CPUs, GPUs, and other types of hardware through the cloud. Businesses then access machines through web browsers.
