A Guide to Infrastructure-as-a-Service

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provides businesses with a flexible and scalable option to meet their infrastructure needs. IaaS enables organizations to access the advantages of a strong and adaptable IT infrastructure. This is all done by outsourcing the difficulties of hardware management and provisioning. This is where the namesake comes from –  leveraging an external infrastructure provider which is offered as a service. Which you can see would be very helpful for a whole range of use cases! But how does it all work, and is it suitable for your particular application? 

In this article, we’ll be introducing what IaaS is, what it does, and what its benefits are. This has been written for anyone new to what IaaS is, as well as anyone wanting to brush up on their IaaS knowledge.

This is what we’ll be covering:

• What does an IaaS Do?

• What are the Advantages of IaaS?

• Takeaways

What is Infrastructure-as-a-Service?

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a form of cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. In simple terms, IaaS allows businesses to rent IT infrastructure—such as servers, storage, and networking—on a pay-as-you-go basis, rather than owning and maintaining physical hardware. This model helps organizations reduce upfront costs, streamline their IT operations, and easily scale their resources according to demand.

How Does IaaS Work?

IaaS works by leveraging cloud service providers to deliver computing resources through a virtualized environment. When a business needs additional IT resources, it can quickly provision these resources via a web-based dashboard or API provided by the IaaS vendor. The service provider maintains the underlying physical hardware in secure data centers, ensuring high availability and performance. Users can configure and manage their virtualized resources to meet their specific needs, such as deploying virtual machines, setting up storage solutions, or configuring network components, all without the complexities of physical infrastructure management. This approach enables rapid deployment, flexible scaling, and efficient resource utilization, empowering businesses to focus on their core activities.

IaaS architecture explained

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) architecture is composed of several core components that work together to deliver scalable and flexible computing resources over the internet. Understanding these components is essential for leveraging the full potential of IaaS. The main components include network, storage, compute, and virtualization, each playing a crucial role in the overall architecture.

Network

The network component of IaaS architecture provides the foundational connectivity for all other resources. It includes virtual networks, subnets, routers, and gateways that ensure secure and efficient data transfer between different parts of the cloud environment and with external systems. IaaS providers offer tools to configure network settings, manage traffic, and establish secure connections through VPNs and firewalls. This ensures that data flows smoothly and securely across the infrastructure, meeting the performance and security needs of various applications.

Storage

Storage in IaaS architecture refers to the virtualized storage solutions that replace traditional physical storage systems. IaaS providers offer scalable storage options, such as block storage, file storage, and object storage, which can be provisioned and managed on demand. These storage solutions support a wide range of data types and applications, providing high availability and redundancy to ensure data integrity and accessibility. By leveraging cloud storage, businesses can efficiently manage their data needs without the constraints of physical storage limitations.

Compute

The compute component of IaaS architecture consists of virtual machines (VMs) and other computing resources that handle the processing power required for applications. Users can create, configure, and manage VMs to run various workloads, ranging from simple web applications to complex data processing tasks. IaaS providers offer a variety of instance types with different CPU, memory, and performance characteristics to match specific needs. This flexibility allows businesses to optimize their computing resources for cost, performance, and scalability.

Virtualization

Virtualization is a key technology in IaaS architecture that enables the creation and management of virtualized computing resources. It abstracts physical hardware into multiple virtual instances, allowing efficient utilization and allocation of resources. Virtualization software, such as hypervisors, facilitates the deployment of VMs and other virtual resources, ensuring isolation and security between different tenants. This layer of abstraction simplifies resource management, enhances scalability, and provides the flexibility needed to adapt to changing workload demands.

IaaS benefits

So now that we’ve gone through what an IaaS does, let’s take a look at the benefits an IaaS can bring to a business:

• Flexibility: IaaS allows users to select and design the components they require. This may be virtual machines (VMs), storage devices, and/or networks. This flexibility means businesses can create and alter their infrastructure to match their applications and workload requirements.

• Scalability: Businesses can easily scale their resources to meet shifting demands. This can include increasing the number of VMs, boosting storage capacity, or enhancing network bandwidth. IaaS allows users to do this quickly, and without the need for substantial upfront investments or complicated hardware deployments.

• Reliability and availability: Cloud service providers maintain redundant infrastructure in multiple data centers. This ensures that services remain operational even if there are hardware failures or network disruptions. By accessing an IaaS, organizations can benefit from robust disaster recovery mechanisms as well as built-in redundancy. All this without the burden (and cost!) of implementing and managing these capabilities themselves.

• Security: Multiple IaaS providers make significant investments when it comes to putting in place strong security measures. This includes network security, data encryption, and access controls. Organizations may improve their entire security posture and safeguard their data from attacks by using the knowledge and resources of their provider(s).

• Affordability: Organizations can cut upfront expenses by switching from a capital expenditure (CapEx) model to an operational expenditure (OpEx) one and only paying for the resources they use. Due to its ability to quickly increase resources as needed – without having to invest in or maintain expensive hardware –  it’s easier to manage the costs of resources.

• Quicker time to market: IaaS usage allows organizations to be more agile. Users can quickly deploy applications, test out new concepts, and react quickly to market needs when infrastructure provisioning takes place in minutes or hours, rather than weeks or months. This adaptability enables businesses to remain competitive, develop, and embrace new opportunities.

Despite its many benefits, adopting IaaS requires organizations to take serious considerations. Businesses that rely on external service providers must carefully assess vendor dependability, service-level agreements, and data sovereignty to assure regulatory and industry-standard adherence. Additionally, for effective monitoring, control, and optimization of their IaaS resources, organizations need to have a solid cloud management strategy in place. You just want to make sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed before going serverless.

Common challenges in adopting IaaS

Adopting Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offers numerous benefits, but it also presents several challenges that organizations must address to fully leverage its potential. Understanding these challenges can help businesses develop strategies to mitigate risks and maximize the advantages of IaaS.

1. Data Security and Privacy: One of the primary concerns when adopting IaaS is ensuring the security and privacy of data. Since data is stored and processed in the cloud, businesses must rely on their IaaS provider’s security measures. This can create concerns about data breaches, unauthorized access, and cloud security compliance with data protection regulations. Organizations need to thoroughly evaluate the security protocols of their chosen provider and implement additional security measures, such as encryption and robust access controls.

2. Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating IaaS with existing on-premises systems can be complex. Businesses often have legacy systems that are not designed to work seamlessly with cloud infrastructure. This integration process may require significant changes to existing workflows, data migration, and the use of middleware or APIs to ensure compatibility. A well-planned integration strategy and the use of skilled IT professionals can help mitigate these challenges.

3. Managing Cloud Costs: While IaaS can reduce upfront capital expenditure, it can also lead to unexpected costs if not managed properly. Pay-as-you-go pricing models can become expensive if resources are not monitored and optimized regularly. Businesses need to implement effective cloud cost management practices, such as setting budgets, using cost-tracking tools, and regularly reviewing resource utilization to avoid overspending.

4. Vendor Lock-In: Dependence on a single IaaS provider can lead to vendor lock-in, where it becomes difficult to switch providers or move back to on-premises infrastructure without significant cost and effort. To mitigate this risk, businesses should design their applications to be as portable as possible, using standard interfaces and avoiding proprietary services that are unique to a single provider.

5. Compliance and Regulatory Issues: Different industries have varying regulatory requirements that must be adhered to, especially concerning data storage and processing. Ensuring that the chosen IaaS provider complies with industry-specific regulations can be challenging. Organizations must conduct thorough due diligence to verify that their provider meets all necessary compliance standards and can provide appropriate audit documentation.

IaaS vs. PaaS: What is the difference?

IaaS and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) differ primarily in terms of abstraction and level of responsibility they offer. IaaS, as previously mentioned, provides virtualized computing resources that let businesses manage and have control over the underlying infrastructure. Businesses have more freedom and control with IaaS when it comes to the operating systems, programs, and settings they want to use.

PaaS abstracts the underlying infrastructure of an application. It offers developers a platform to create, release, and manage apps without worrying about the specifics of the infrastructure. Operating systems, databases, and middleware are all included in the development environment provided by PaaS providers. This allows developers to concentrate only on application development, rather than infrastructure maintenance.

IaaS vs. SaaS: What is the difference?

The main difference between IaaS and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is based on the level of service provided and the responsibility of the consumer. SaaS, unlike IaaS, provides fully functional software applications over the internet. The software provider manages all facets of the infrastructure, including hardware, operating systems, and application management. Users of SaaS apps don't need to handle any infrastructure or software upkeep. They may simply access and utilize the product through a web browser or dedicated interface.

What are the Use Cases for IaaS?

A wide range of businesses can benefit from implementing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) for their IT infrastructure needs. Some types of businesses that can particularly benefit from IaaS include:

• Startups and Small Businesses: Small enterprises and startups frequently have limited (or constrained) funds and resources. IaaS allows them to access reliable and scalable infrastructure, all without having to make a big upfront investment. This means they can concentrate on their primary business goals and scale as they expand.

• Growing and Scalable Businesses: Businesses that are expanding or anticipate demand changes can gain from IaaS's scalability. To meet changing needs, they may quickly scale up or down their infrastructure resources. This can result in improved performance, as well as saving money (affecting that all-important bottom line.)

• Seasonal Businesses: IaaS can be used by certain businesses to navigate seasonal changes in demand, such as e-commerce shops during different holiday seasons. This means their apps can handle traffic spikes during seasonal peaks, and scale back resource peaks and resource needs during quieter times.

• Software Development and Testing Companies: IaaS is great for businesses that develop and test software. They can quickly deploy and deprovision testing and development environments. This means software development cycles can be sped up,  as well as a reduction in infrastructure spend.

• Data-Intensive Businesses: Businesses that handle big amounts of data – such as those who handle data analytics, machine learning, and scientific research – can use IaaS to their advantage. They can access the computing power and storage space required for processing and analyzing large chunks of data effectively.

• Global Businesses: IaaS enables businesses who want to increase their geographical reach to deploy their apps and services across various areas, without having to build out physical infrastructure in each place. This contributes to more reliable performance, improved user experiences, and a quicker time to market.

• Businesses with Compliance Requirements: Some IaaS providers offer industry-specific compliance certifications and strong security measures, making them particularly useful to industries with strict compliance rules. Think healthcare, finance, and government. This helps ensure a safe and scalable infrastructure environment while meeting regulatory standards.

How is Infrastructure as a Service Implemented?

Implementing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) involves several key steps to ensure a smooth transition and effective utilization of cloud resources. Here are the exact and brief steps for implementing IaaS:

1. Assess Business Requirements:

• Identify specific business needs and objectives.

• Determine the workloads, applications, and data that will move to the cloud.

• Evaluate current IT infrastructure and performance requirements.

2. Choose a Reputable IaaS Provider:

• Research and compare IaaS providers based on services, pricing, and support.

• Check for security measures, compliance certifications, and SLAs.

• Select a provider that best meets your business requirements.

3. Plan the Migration Strategy:

• Develop a detailed cloud migration strategy outlining steps and timelines.

• Identify potential risks and create mitigation strategies.

• Plan for data transfer, application migration, and user transition.

4. Set Up Cloud Infrastructure:

• Configure virtual networks, subnets, and security groups.

• Provision virtual machines (VMs), storage solutions, and other required resources.

• Set up access controls and permissions for users and applications.

5. Migrate Data and Applications:

• Transfer data to cloud storage using secure methods.

• Migrate applications to the cloud, ensuring compatibility and performance.

• Perform necessary configurations and optimizations for cloud environments.

6. Test and Validate:

• Conduct thorough testing of all migrated data and applications.

• Validate the performance, security, and reliability of the cloud infrastructure.

• Address any issues identified during testing to ensure smooth operation.

7. Implement Cloud Management Tools:

• Deploy monitoring and management tools to oversee cloud resources.

• Set up automated alerts for performance, security, and cost management.

• Use tools to optimize resource utilization and control expenses.

8. Train IT Staff and End Users:

• Provide training for IT staff on managing and optimizing cloud resources.

• Educate end users on accessing and using cloud-based applications.

• Establish support channels for addressing user queries and issues.

9. Monitor and Optimize:

• Continuously monitor cloud infrastructure for performance and security.

• Regularly review resource usage and adjust configurations as needed.

• Implement cost optimization strategies to manage expenses effectively.

10. Maintain Compliance and Security:

• Ensure ongoing compliance with industry regulations and standards.

• Regularly update security measures to protect data and applications.

• Conduct periodic audits and assessments to maintain a secure cloud environment.

Why trust Divio with your IaaS?

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offers businesses a flexible, scalable, and cost-friendly option to handle various infrastructure requirements. Businesses may concentrate on their core capabilities, acquire agility, and grow their IT infrastructure as needed by using virtualized computing resources. IaaS has transformed cloud computing by empowering organizations to innovate, and expand with high reliability, improved security, and lower capital expenditures.

By leveraging Divio's comprehensive cloud infrastructure management solutions, businesses can concentrate on their core capabilities, acquire agility, and grow their IT infrastructure as needed by using virtualized computing resources. Divio's platform has transformed cloud computing by empowering organizations to innovate and expand with high reliability, improved security, and lower capital expenditures.

Discover how your projects can benefit from Divio's at-cost third-party cloud infrastructure services. Find out more about basic cloud concepts and terminology through our cloud computing glossary.