Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a model that allows customers to access computing resources in a virtualized setting. This service offers computing infrastructure such as load balancers, virtual server space, IP addresses, network connections, and bandwidth.
Several networks and servers are used to provide access to physical hardware resources. These resources are distributed through various data centers. IaaS cloud providers are in charge of maintaining these data centers. Clients access the virtualized elements and then use them to develop their IT platforms.
Infrastructure as a service is one of the main cloud computing models. Some of the other models include Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). All these models can be used to build cost effective IT solutions. They are the best option for clients who are in search of scalable solutions.
These models are an advantage because the clients do not have to deal with the challenges and cost of maintaining the fundamental hardware required for IT solutions. Cloud providers manage the resources for the clients. A business does not have to worry about additional expenses when expanding because it can simply tap into existing cloud resources.
This makes it easy for a business to adjust its computing hardware based on its needs without incurring high costs. The virtual resources make additional purchases, installation, and integration unnecessary.
Using IaaS:
Businesses can take advantage of IaaS to develop enterprise infrastructure. This model offer internal networks including virtual networks and private clouds, which businesses can use to store data and run applications required for daily operations. An organization can scale its infrastructure to suit its dynamic needs. The private clouds offer an effective storage especially for confidential information.
Vast networks made up of several physical servers can be redundant and this is one of the reasons why organizations are increasingly relying on cloud hosting. This service is based on pooled resources, which are offered through fundamental physical servers and it helps to eliminate redundancy.
Cloud providers who offer IaaS allow clients to access a uniform virtual server. The clients do not manage the hardware but they are responsible for the database, software, and guest operating systems operations and configuration. It is also important to note that compute capabilities offered by the providers are uniform. The clients only have to worry about operational risks and not the infrastructure.
Main Benefits:
Businesses that take advantage of IaaS can enjoy a variety of benefits because the resources are readily available whenever a client requires them. This means that an organization does not have to worry about delays when it decides to expand its operations. Cloud resources eliminate waste because clients only access the capacity they require. Organizations can also cut on their expenses because they only pay for the capacity used.
Location is not a hindrance when an organization is using virtual resources. Clients can access infrastructure as a service from anywhere as long as they are connected to the internet. The service is also secure because each client gets a security protocol that they can use to access the resources. Servers used to provide this service are virtual and this offers additional security in case of flooding, fire, or theft in an organization’s premises.
