Infrastructure As Service (IaaS)

In an IaaS model, a third-party provider hosts hardware, software, servers, storage and other infrastructure components on behalf of its users. IaaS providers also host users' applications and handle tasks including system maintenance, backup and resiliency planning.

IaaS platforms offer highly scalable resources that can be adjusted on-demand. This makes IaaS well-suited for workloads that are temporary, experimental or change unexpectedly.  Other characteristics of IaaS environments include the automation of administrative tasks, dynamic scaling, desktop virtualization and policy-based services.

IaaS customers pay on a per-use basis, typically by the hour, week or month. Some providers also charge customers based on the amount of virtual machine space they use. This pay-as-you-go model eliminates the capital expense of deploying in-house hardware and software. However, users should monitor their IaaS environments closely to avoid being charged for unauthorized services.

Because IaaS providers own the infrastructure, systems management and monitoring may become more difficult for users. Also, if an IaaS provider experiences downtime, users' workloads may be affected.  For example, if a business is developing a new software product, it might be more cost-effective to host and test the application through an IaaS provider. Once the new software is tested and refined, it can be removed from the IaaS environment for a more traditional in-house deployment or to save money or free the resources for other projects.  Leading IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Windows Azure, Google Compute Engine, Rackspace Open Cloud, and IBM Smart Cloud Enterprise.

What is Virtualization?

     Virtualization is possible in our local computer with the help of VMWare Fusion or VMWare software.  In Cloud environment,

Virtualization is possible by using Hypervisor software.

What is Virtual Machine?

Below Image explains about IaaS architecture and use cases.

What is Container?

Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, and Public Cloud

• Private Cloud: Cloud Infrastructure running in on premise environment.
• Public Cloud: Third party Cloud providers running Cloud environment.
• Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid Cloud is nothing but Private and Public cloud are connected.

Iaas Pricing Model

Price may vary based on type of Infrastructure request.  Below are type of VM Images types in AWS, and price will differ based on your selection image.

Service Level Agreement

Infrastructure as service (IaaS) – Networking

IaaS Networking Options

Below picture represents Public Networking using Public IP address on Cloud environment.  End user will connect to VM via Global Internet.

Below picture represents Private Networking using Virtual Private Network (VPN), which is software based tunnel, is encrypted and secured. End user will connect to Private VM via Software based VPN tunnel. 

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

Storage in Cloud

With IaaS Where are my files stored?

File Storage

Object Storage

AWS S3 is one of popular Object storage services which has been provided by Amazon.  Below screen shot represents where S3 service can be found in Amazon Management Console.

Data Protection in Cloud

Data protection is important part of Cloud storage.  There are various type of services available in Cloud provider environment.

Below are few popular services on data protection in Cloud.

Below services are for file or data, which are available in out side of VM, back up in cloud.

Below services are for Disaster recovery to the cloud when data is stored inside of VM.  With this services, entire virtual machine including operating system can be replicated or copied in many cases in every 15 to 30 minutes.