Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 03:35 am
What Is IaaS? The Quick, Easy Guide to Infrastructure as a Service
Scalability
IaaS allows businesses to scale their IT resources up or down based on their needs. This scalability enables companies to adapt quickly to changing demands. You can quickly get more computing power when there are seasonal spikes or more resource-intensive projects.
If you’re managing your own IT infrastructure, you have to procure and maintain all the necessary resources yourself. It’s extremely expensive to keep enough hardware to cover 100% of your seasonal spikes or project to then sit idle for the rest of the year. Factor in long lead times for procuring new hardware, sometimes you simply can’t get the resources you need in time to meet demand.
Flexibility
With IaaS, it’s easier to choose and access the specific IT resources you require. Depending on the provider, you can get data storage, networking capabilities, virtual machines, and many other infrastructure components.
The service provider manages the underlying hardware and infrastructure. They can often sell you a wider range of services than you would be able to set up infrastructure for on your own.
Cost-Efficiency
Adopting IaaS eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in physical infrastructure. Instead, you pay for the resources you use on a subscription or pay-as-you-go basis.
This cost-effective model allows you to avoid the expenses associated with hardware procurement and infrastructure management. Best of all, you avoid the burden of maintenance and upgrades.
Enhanced Security and Reliability
Most reputable IaaS providers prioritize the security and reliability of their infrastructure. They implement robust security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and data backup solutions. They also tend to have redundant systems and backup capabilities to ensure high availability and minimize downtime.
While you could set up a highly secure data center and redundant systems yourself, it’s a lot more expensive to do on your own. IaaS providers have the advantage of scale – they effectively split the cost of security measures and 24/7/365 support across all the clients using their data centers.
Expert Technical Support
IaaS providers typically offer technical support to help you manage and optimize your infrastructure. You can leverage the knowledge and skills of experienced, specialized professionals without hiring a large team of full-time IT specialists.
Support services often include troubleshooting, system monitoring, and performance optimization. Many IaaS providers provide round-the-clock support that would be hard to get from a single IT professional or small team.
Finding the Right IaaS Provider
If you’re looking for an IaaS provider, there are several factors you need to consider:
Infrastructure Reliability. The provider should have a robust infrastructure with redundant systems and backup capabilities. These systems help you minimize downtime.
Security Measures. You will want a provider with good security protocols, including data encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. They should also protect their data center from risks like natural disasters. Compliance with industry standards and regulations is also crucial, especially for businesses handling sensitive data.
Scalability and Flexibility. The provider should be able to scale resources based on your business requirements. Check if they offer a wide range of infrastructure options and allow you to scale up or down your subscription.
Technical Support. Technical support can make all the difference in your IT experience. Ensure your provider offers timely and reliable support, including assistance with infrastructure management and troubleshooting.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for most businesses’ IT infrastructure needs. By leveraging IaaS, you can focus on your core competencies and leave the challenges of infrastructure management to a trusted service provider.
If you’re ready to harness the power of IaaS for your business, Simple Helix can help. Our Tier III-equivalent data center, colocation, and connectivity options give you a simple yet scalable solution to your IT infrastructure needs.
Our IaaS services include:
- Solutions for running virtual machines, containers, simulations, and other computational demands
- Cloud backup solution(s) for on-prem, virtual machine, and/or Microsoft Azure/365 environments
- NOC (Network Operations Center)
- 130 available racks inside our 10,000 sq ft data center
- 30 racks of private colocation with exclusive access available
- 2N+1 redundant power and cooling systems
- 4.5 MegaWatts (MW) capacity via five generators with 16,000 gallons of fuel on-site plus fuel cleaning system
- Quad chiller units per data hall
- Redundant UPS systems with 9 hours of battery backup
- Novec 1230 fire suppression with FAST monitoring system
- Facility guarded 24/7/365 by armed security guards
- Seven physical security zones secured with unique RFID badges, IRIS scanning technology, and traffic-limiting turnstile
