Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) provides compute, memory, storage, networking,
and related software, such as operating systems and databases, as a cloud service
to replace traditional on-premises data center infrastructure.
Simplified, that means IaaS is essentially virtual servers that the customer rents from
another company that has a data center. Essentially, IaaS promotes access versus
ownership. This solution provides the end-user with flexibility when it comes to
hosting custom-built apps or standard software while also providing a general data
center for storage.
Customers can deploy IaaS in one of three different service models defined by the
National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST):
Private Cloud:Infrastructure services are provisioned for exclusive use by a
single organization. The physical infrastructure may be owned, managed, and
operated by the organization, a third party, or some combination, and it may exist
on or off-premises.
Public Cloud:Infrastructure services are provisioned for use by multiple
organizations (also known as a multi-tenant model). The physical infrastructure
may be owned, managed, and operated by a business, academic or government
organization, or some combination. It exists on the premises of the cloud provider.
Hybrid Cloud:A company chooses to leverage both public cloud and private
cloud for applications or overall architecture. The two cloud models remain unique
entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that
enables data and application portability.
IaaS is advantageous to companies in scenarios where scalability and quick
provisioning are key. In other words, organizations experiencing rapid growth but
lacking the capital to invest in hardware are great candidates for IaaS models. IaaS
can also be beneficial to companies with steady application workloads that simply
want to offload some of the routine operations and maintenance involved in
managing infrastructure.
Challenges may include the following:
Pay for What You Use:Fees are computed via usage-based metrics
Reduce Capital Expenditures:IaaS is typically a monthly operational expense
Dynamically Scale:Rapidly add capacity in peak times and scale down as
needed
Increase Security:IaaS providers invest heavily in security technology and
expertise
Future-Proof:Access to the state-of-the-art data center, hardware, and
operating systems
Self-Service Provisioning:Access via simple internet connection
Reallocate IT Resources:Free up IT staff for higher-value projects
Reduce Downtime:IaaS enables instant recovery from outages
Boost Speed:Developers can begin projects once IaaS machines are provisioned
Enable Innovation:Add new capabilities and leverage APIs
Level the Playing Field:SMBs can compete with much larger firms
Unexpected Costs:Monthly fees can add up, or peak usage may be more than
expected
Process Changes:IaaS may require changes to processes and workflows
Runaway Inventory:Instances may be deployed, but not taken down
Security Risks:While IaaS providers secure the infrastructure, businesses are
responsible for anything they host
Lack of Support:Live help is sometimes hard to come by
Complex Integration:Challenges with interaction with existing systems
Security Risks:New vulnerabilities may emerge around the loss of direct control
Limited Customization:Public cloud users may have limited control and ability
to customize
Vendor Lock-In:Moving from one IaaS provider to another can be challenging
Broadband Dependency:Only as good as the reliability of the internet
connection
Providers Not Created Equally:Vendor vettingand selection can be
challenging
Managing Availability:Even the largest service providers experience downtime
Confusing SLAs:Service level agreements (SLAs) can be difficult to understand
Regulatory Uncertainty:Evolving federal and state laws can impact some
industries’ use of IaaS, especially across country borders
Vendor Consolidation:Providers may be acquired or go out of business
Third-Party Expertise:Lack of mature service providers, guidance, or
ecosystem support
Sources
1.What is iaas - advantages and disadvantages: Cloud computing: CompTIA. Default.
(n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2022,
from https://www.comptia.org/content/articles/what-is-iaas
