Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a delivery model in cloud computing. Here, the basic IT infrastructure is provided via a cloud that can be flexibly adapted to the company’s needs. We show how IaaS works and look at the advantages and disadvantages of this form of cloud service.
What is Infrastructure as a Service?
Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS for short, is a cloud structure in cloud computing that uses virtual hardware resources. These include, for example, storage space, resources for networks or processors. In connection with Infrastructure as a Service, there is often also talk of a virtual data center. The individual elements of the virtual infrastructure can be adapted, added and removed as desired.
The advantage is that due to the scalable character of the infrastructure, the costs for companies can be designed according to their needs. With IaaS, it is not necessary to purchase hardware on a large scale, which in practice is not used efficiently later on. Companies also have the option of implementing their own platforms and applications in an IaaS environment. One example of a very popular IaaS offering is Amazon Web Service (AWS).
Three service levels can be distinguished in the delivery models for clouds. Besides IaaS, there is also Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Platform as a Service is considered the link between the other two services – IaaS and SaaS. At the PaaS level, applications and software solutions can be developed. The provider makes the necessary IT infrastructure available. Software as a Service offers access to software via the web browser, which can be subscribed to as needed. This makes SaaS a service for end customers in particular, who save on license fees and the expense of installation and maintenance.
Architecture and features of an IaaS solution
Infrastructure as a Service works according to the share responsibility model, i.e. the principle of shared responsibility. This means that both the provider and a company as a user take on different tasks so that the IT infrastructure functions. This cooperation leads to the best possible use of the cloud resources in the company.
With Infrastructure as a Service, the cloud provider is often responsible for the construction, operation and security of the hardware. Users, on the other hand, have the option of accessing the virtualized software resources of the provider. Providing cloud services makes it possible for companies to set up their own data center. The administration and configuration of the network, for example firewalls, is the responsibility of the users. They also remain responsible for authentication mechanisms and access management.
IaaS solutions can generally be divided into three types: the public IaaS model, the private IaaS cloud and the hybrid cloud.
Advantages of IaaS
Low costs: By using IaaS solutions, companies save on the costs of managing physical data centers. Usage-based pay-as-you-go models also reduce hardware costs and regular maintenance.
Improved security: Service contracts offer users high security standards at all levels. The standards normally go beyond a company’s internal requirements.
High stability: The service provider of an IaaS solution takes care of the administration, maintenance and updates of software and hardware. With corresponding agreements, companies ensure internal continuity and can continue to access software and data in the event of a technical failure, which can also be restored.
More powerful workloads: With IaaS, businesses have the ability to respond quickly when demand for resources increases. Storage and network resources can be scaled and provisioned quickly across the globe.
Accelerating innovation: Applications and products emerge faster because the underlying IT infrastructure does not have to be set up first. The introduction of new products or software can take place within a few hours.
Disadvantages of IaaS
Dependence: The availability and security of Infrastructure as a Service is dependent on the cloud provider. A change of provider is also often associated with many technical difficulties because the basic infrastructure has to be replaced.
Internet access: Companies need access to the internet to use the cloud service provider. Problems with the internet connection accordingly also lead to problems with the IaaS solution.
Data protection: If the data center of the service provider of an IaaS solution is not located in Germany, the strict requirements of data protection and the DSGVO may not be met. This is a risk for users who process sensitive information such as personal data.
Areas of application for Infrastructure as a Service
Program development: The flexible IaaS cloud gives users the option of creating a test environment for program with little effort.
Hosting of web projects: IaaS provides the optimal foundation for complex web projects that have to deal with highly fluctuating workloads. In addition, web applications can easily be provided on IaaS systems. The scalability creates leeway to react to changing access numbers.
Setting up storage solutions (backup): Cloud solutions based on IaaS allow efficient storage for data and backups to be set up in just a few steps.
Big data analysis: The unlimited scaling options enable high-performance computing even without supercomputers. This allows complex tasks with numerous variables to be solved and the analysis of large amounts of user data is no longer a problem.
TeamDrive in combination with Infrastructure as a Service
TeamDrive uses cloud-based IaaS solutions with flexible IT infrastructure and the highest security standards to host TeamDrive’s own cloud solution. Our own end-to-end encryption and the DSGVO-compliant IT environment of the IaaS provider enable secure data processing during storage and transfer as well as the convenience of unlimited scaling. All data centers used by TeamDrive are located in Germany.
TeamDrive’s services comprise several cloud components and can be licensed by customers for their own infrastructure. The individual solutions can be easily and inexpensively integrated into existing IT structures or hosted in the IaaS model on rented cloud platforms.
