We know what you’re thinking: “you mean there’s yet another technology acronym I need to commit to memory?”
To which we, the experts at EMPIST, answer with an enthusiastic: “yes”!
IaaS – shorthand for Infrastructure as a Service – is an essential form of cloud computing service that your business might even already use in some capacity. Unlike other cloud services, IaaS is a self-service model used for remote monitoring and accessing data center infrastructures. And while you may feel as though you have a good handle on the different types of cloud solutions and their many beneficial applications, believe us when we say: you’re going to want to stick around for this one, too.
Here’s what business owners need to know about IaaS.
IaaS, Defined
When we say Infrastructure as a Service, what do we mean?
IaaS describes a model of cloud computing services that provides virtualized solutions to traditional, on-premises technology infrastructure to organizations over the internet. By foregoing the very permanent and costly models of traditional technology infrastructures (servers, networks, etc.), IaaS solutions give businesses the flexibility they need to grow and change suddenly without sacrificing the advanced security, storage space, or capabilities they need to succeed.
IaaS is, in fact, one of the three major computing models offered by cloud service providers today. The other two models are PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service) – with which we’re willing to bet you are a bit more familiar. Differences between these three models may seem minimal to the untrained eye, but understanding them is key to selecting the correct cloud computing solution for your business’s unique needs.
IaaS In Context
Let’s compare and contrast, shall we?
SaaS – You know and love it; it’s Software as a Service! SaaS describes a set of cloud-based applications or software managed by a third-party provider and delivered to businesses via the public internet. Also known as web-based software or on-demand software, SaaS cloud solutions require little to no end-user intervention, including zero downloads and minimal day-to-day management, making these solutions great for mobile-minded organizations. SaaS, therefore, does not require in-house or dedicated IT staff to run successfully, either.
Examples of SaaS Cloud Solutions Include:
- Salesforce
- Slack
- Gmail
PaaS – The Platform as a Service model of cloud computing offers a more customizable approach to cloud services than that of SaaS. Rather than providing a set of completely vendor-managed cloud software applications, PaaS solutions provide businesses with a framework of cloud computing capabilities upon which the organization itself can then customize and build within. PaaS solutions also deliver services over the public internet, but they are most often used by businesses looking to create and, to an extent, manage their own unique software rather than work within the applications of existing public vendors.
TL;DR – PaaS is for businesses looking to build their own software within an existing cloud system.
Examples of PaaS Cloud Solutions Include:
- Google App Engine
- IBM Cloud Boundary
IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service, therefore, takes things one step further than PaaS solutions. IaaS delivers servers, data storage, network solutions, operating systems, and other infrastructure-based technologies to businesses remotely via the internet using a process known as virtualization. Rather than accessible via software applications (like with SaaS) or software frameworks (PaaS), the solutions provided via IaaS are done so by giving businesses direct access to an API or dashboard for their infrastructure. Using this self-service model, businesses that adopt IaaS solutions either must manage their cloud services themselves or work with Managed Service Providers to ensure that things run smoothly.
Examples of IaaS Cloud Solutions Include:
- AWS
- Microsoft Azure
- Digital Ocean
The Benefits of IaaS
IaaS solutions like AWS and Azure offer businesses the essential qualities of cloud computing with the added scalability and customization that comes with independent management. While the IaaS cloud model may not be right for all businesses, you can expect to see some incredible benefits should you find it to be the right option for your business.
Those benefits include:
Decreased Capital Expenses – The upfront costs of traditional infrastructure are eliminated with IaaS solutions. On-demand technology infrastructure is, rather, billed as an operating expense, giving your team more leeway to grow.
Dynamic Scalability – IaaS solutions are incredibly flexible. This makes IaaS models particularly popular among businesses planning for growth.
Heightened Resiliency and Recovery Support – When managed properly, IaaS solutions can reduce downtime and improve recovery in the event of an unplanned outage or attack. When managed by the right provider, IaaS solutions also offer advanced security to further protect your organization’s sensitive data.
Boost Competition – Small and medium-sized businesses may find that IaaS cloud computing services allow them to compete with larger or more established businesses that have the capital to readily access traditional infrastructure models.
IaaS with EMPIST
Choosing the right cloud solution for your organization can seem complicated from the outside looking in, but with EMPIST by your side, the choice is easy.
Our team of expertly trained engineers, agents, and managers work diligently to ensure that your business has access to all the resources you need to make an informed decision about your services and that each of those services are delivered without a hitch every time.
For more information on EMPIST cloud services, visit us online here. To go ahead and get started, contact our team using the form here.