What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?

Let’s understand IaaS.

IaaS is an abbreviation for Infrastructure as a Service, which is a type of cloud computing service.

An IaaS is a service that provides virtualized computing resources (IT infrastructure) that users need, such as servers, storage, or networks. With the IaaS model, users can utilize virtual infrastructure delivered by cloud providers without having to build their own IT infrastructures, such as servers, storage, or networks. It allows users to pay only for the resources they use and reduces the cost and effort of building infrastructure, operation, and management. An IaaS is usually used by companies or developers who need massive computing resources.

Digital transformation, episode 10: Cloud, the core technology of DT (2) Insight report describes how an IaaS works, using the analogy of borrowing resources.
To the extent of borrowing cloud services from providers, we call it Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) when you borrow only a small amount. Let me give you an analogy to help you understand. The team leader ordered the employees to plan a performance. The performance must start right away, next week. What would you do? ‘IaaS’ refers to a scenario where you rent only the small theater, create the stage, and prepare the performance yourself.

[Gartner’s definition] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a standardized, highly automated offering in which computing resources owned by a service provider, complemented by storage and networking capabilities, are offered to customers on demand. Resources are scalable and elastic in near real time and metered by use. Self-service interfaces, including an API and a graphical user interface (GUI), are exposed directly to customers. Resources may be single-tenant or multitenant and are hosted by the service provider or on-premises in a customer’s data center.

What are the advantages of an IaaS?

High flexibility

IaaS service users can meet their needs by scaling their infrastructure up or down. In addition, it ensures an optimal use of resources, as users can utilize a variety of operating systems, languages, and frameworks.

Cost efficiency

Companies can save on upfront and maintenance costs since they borrow infrastructure from the cloud providers without building IT infrastructure, such as servers, storage, and network, by themselves. In addition, an IaaS saves you money since you can adjust your resource usage based on your needs and pay only for what you use.

Enhanced scalability

With an IaaS, companies can scale up their IT infrastructure gradually to respond to drastic changes in scale.

Better security

IaaS providers can offer a secure infrastructure by applying various security technologies and procedures, thanks to their specialized knowledge and experience in security.

Rapid deployment

IaaS service providers offer prepared templates or application programming interfaces (APIs). Users can use them to rapidly deploy and run new servers or applications.

What should we consider when introducing an IaaS?

Operational burden

Since users are required to manage their infrastructures themselves, and they may need some IT experts and developers with relevant experience for infrastructure management and maintenance.

Over dependency

IaaS service users may be impacted if there are service interruptions or failures. In addition, there can be restrictions on the provided infrastructure, and it may not provide all the features the user needs.

Technical problems

Users may face some technical issues in the cases of massive data transfers, running complicated applications, or activities of other users.

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