In today’s business world, any internet-based storage system, service platform, or program is powered by cloud computing. A key subset of cloud computing is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the ability to access infrastructure on a server instead of at a physical location.
Because of its efficiencies and benefits, leading businesses and companies that want to scale should be taking advantage of cloud computing.
“There are so many facets that have developed in cloud computing over the past few years, and IaaS is one of the key ways businesses can grow through the use of technology,” says Maurice Hamilton, CEO of IT firm Infinavate, Inc. “If you’re looking to become more agile and innovated, the switch from in-house servers to cloud computing is table stakes.”
Let’s dive deeper into IaaS and see how it can support your business’s innovation roadmap.
How Infrastructure as a Service Relates to Cloud Computing
Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) is where an infrastructure of systems or storage is rented and paid for on-going by a business or individual. The type of infrastructure could be operating systems, servers, and storage. As long as these services can be delivered through an IP-based connection, it is considered to be in the cloud.
How Does Infrastructure as a Service Work?
In the past, servers would be held in a closet or room in the basement of the business. This is what the business’s computers would use for storage and access to the Internet. IaaS is different in that it allows the server to be externally based and managed by an expert offsite.
Instead of users “owning” servers in a closet, they “rent” storage from a qualified and expert IT source. Some IaaS platforms require you to use their IT team, while others can be available as a hybrid approach where you can utilize your own IT department, as needed.
In both of these examples, though, IaaS uses physical servers and storage remotely. Someone else owns and maintains the storage and computing facilities. All that is needed from the business is to tell the IT provider what is needed for ongoing business use.
For example, a company only needs to communicate items such as the amount of RAM or processor speed required for everyday business tasks. The remote IT vendor oversees the hardware maintenance and security of your data.
“When looking for the right IaaS IT team to manage your servers, you want to make sure you have a reliable partner who is focused on long-term goals for your company,” says Hamilton. “A trustworthy IT advisor is always looking to evaluate space, servers, storage, and your investment to make sure you are budgeting in a way that protects your future and not wasting resources.”
What Should You Look For in an IASS Solution?
When you are evaluating IASS options, the main thing they are looking for is to reduce costs and capital expenditures. Thinking about the future is also key, so solutions should be scalable and flexible for the evolving needs of your business. The last thing they are looking for have the latest tech deployed in their technology.
- Cost savings
- Flexibility and scalability
- Ability to adapt to latest technology
What are the Advantages of Infrastructure as a Service?
Mid- to large-sized businesses are the most frequent users of IaaS. These companies typically employ experts to configure and implement most of the server and storage configuration while outsourcing the maintenance of the hardware.
Because the infrastructure is managed by an external IT consulting company, IaaS equipment is updated regularly to stay up on the latest trends and market needs. Without the need to update servers and its equipment onsite, IT staff can be freed up to support companies in more important ways.
“For IaaS, there is a major cost advantage,” says Hamilton. “Technology is becoming outdated so much faster than in years past and that plays a great role in how a business can keep up with what their customers want and need. If a business spends most of their time trying to manage their own servers, equipment, storage, and security, it means they have less resources and human capital to put towards innovation, sales, and marketing.”
How Does Infinavate Approach IaaS Solutions?
An experienced IT partner can bring a team of expert consultants and construct a tailored IaaS solution, specifically for the needs of your business and users. While each process is unique to a business and market, most follow a similar approach.
- Evaluate company infrastructure, databases, and equipment
- Match an IaaS solution to business goals, needs, and features
- Ensure security, scalability, and flexibility
- Migrate data, integrate with systems, train staff
- Monitor and evolve over time, with changing business and technology
Examples of IaaS Platforms in B2B and B2C
Leading IaaS Providers:
- Amazon EC2 is a web service that offers the user complete control of computing resources as needed
- Azure Virtual Machines gives the flexibility of going virtual for development, testing, applications, and managing datacenters
- Netrepid provides colocation, infrastructure, and application hosting while allowing for cost adjustments
Other IaaS Use-Cases:
- Disaster Recovery
- Program Testing & Development
- Hosting Complex Websites
- High Computing Performance
- Big Data Analysis
How Can IaaS Be Used in The Healthcare Industry?
The healthcare industry is seeing gains in advanced computing speed with no upfront capital for expenses. Healthcare facilities have an elevated level of agility since they can level up their needs with virtual control to obtain the resources and components they need in their hardware and availability.
“Selecting the right IaaS vendor can initiate more secure storage,” says Hamilton. “Thanks to IaaS, here’s the benefit we are seeing in the healthcare industry.”
Probably the biggest advantage for healthcare is the reliability of IaaS. In most cases, 99.99% uptime is a requirement for providers. Patient data is protected and systems can be relied upon thanks to constant uptime, especially in the case of power outages. Having an external server for all work equals a safer backup until the power comes back.
How IaaS Can Be Leveraged in Any Industry
“IaaS gives its users peace of mind,” says Hamilton. “It’s hassle-free knowing your data is secure and available whenever you need it. And it is gives you the flexibility to scale up or scale down as you need to, without huge investment or management time.”
Schedule a discovery call with Infinavate today to discuss how you can save more money on enhancing your cloud computing options.