Cloud Computing - Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service is a IaaS in short. When you run any program, You need a computer. But instead of buying one, you can just borrow it from a cloud service provider.This provider gives you access to virtual machine or computers, storage and networking tools that you can whenever you need to use them. So it's whole process like renting computer stuff over internet. You need to pay only for what you use. If you have more work and need more computer power. You can get it instantly. So there will be no any difference either you are using own computer or computer in cloud. You can also setup and manage virtual resources by yourself. Many big companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Oracle provides these services, and they have lots of security and backup features to keep your work safe. It's a way for businesses to use computer power without having own actual machines.

IaaS provider provides the following services

IaaS Service provider companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google and others, Provides some useful services for people and businesses to use their cloud systems. These services like creating and managing virtual machines or computers, stroring data and balancing website traffic. They have some softwares to check how things are working and only the right people can access your work. They helps also with data security, backup and also dealing with other problems. These providers have data centers all over the world, so you can choose where your virtual stuff lives. They also provide support and guides to assist you along the way. It's all about making it easier for you to use computers without having to own them.

The following Services provides by IaaS Provider.

1. Virtual Machines - IaaS providers allow users to create and manage virtual machines similar like your local Computer. Users can select the operating system, configure resources and install software on these Virtual Machines.
2. Compute - Computing as a Service includes virtual central processing units and virtual main memory for the Vms that is provisioned to the end- users.
3. Storage Services - IaaS providers offer various storage options like block storage and object storage. Users can store data, files and backups in these given storage services.
4. Networking - IaaS platforms provide networking services that facilities users to create and manage virtual networks, subnets, load balancers and security groups to control network traffic in Virtual Machines.
5. Load Balancing - Users can set up load balancers to distribute incoming traffic across multiple virtual machines or instances, ensuring high availability and performance.
6. Security Services - IaaS providers offer security features to protect data and applications such as firewalls, encryption and threat detection.

Advantages of IaaS

The following explains the advantage of IaaS.

1. Cost Efficiency - In IaaS, There is no need to purchase and maintaining physical hardware. So it avoid initial cost. instead of it, You need to pay only for what resources you use. It can lead cost saving.
2. Scalability - In Iaas plateforms, You can easily increase and decrease resorces based on their resource demands.
3. Flexibility - Users have the fully flexibility to choose the type and size of virtual resources as they need, such as virtual machines, storage and networking components.
4. Fast Deployment - In IaaS, User can use virtual resources as they need with in minutes which can reduce time to develop application and services.
5. Global Reach - IaaS provides data centers in multiple regions and countries in all over the world. This global presence enables users to deploy their resources closer to their target audience, reducing taking time and improving performance.
6. Managed Services - IaaS providers provide some managed services such as automated backups, security features, and monitoring tools, which can simplify resource management and enhance data protection.
7. Disaster Recovery - Many IaaS platforms have some built-in disaster recovery and backup solutions features, to reduce the risk of data loss and downtime in case of hardware failures or any disasters.
8. Security Features - IaaS provides some security features like firewalls, encryption, and identity and access management tools to help users protect their data and applications.
9. Cost Predictability - IaaS providers typically offer transparent pricing models before using services or application, users can predict and manage their cloud infrastructure costs.

Disadvantage of IaaS

The following explains the disadvantage of IaaS.

1. Cost - Using IaaS can be costly. You pay for virtual machine and resource you use. if you do not use your resources carefully. You will spend more money.
2. Complexity - When you use IaaS, You need to understand how virtual servers works and configure them correct. If you don't do in correct way. It can be lead downtime and security issues.
3. Maintenance - Unlike some other cloud services, IaaS requires time to time care of the operating system, security updates and backups. So need in expertise system administration.
4. Security - Although IaaS providers provide some security features, you need to implement security measures correctly, otherwise your data could be at risk.
5. Limited Support - IaaS providers offers limited support. If you want additional support, You may have to focus on your own team or third-party services.

IaaS Pricing

IaaS pricing is frequently based on usage, so customers only pay for what they really use. The granularity of cloud infrastructure pricing models has expanded over time to include a wide range of options.

1. Subscriptions and reserved instances - Subscriptions and reserved instances: For customers willing to commit to lengthier contract terms, which are typically between one and three years, several providers provide reductions off the sticker price.
2. Monthly Billing - In the BMaaS industry, where physical infrastructure often means steady-state workloads without spiking features, monthly billing models are most prevalent.
3. By the hour/second - The most typical granularity for traditional cloud infrastructure is by the hour or second, and end customers are only charged for what they really utilize.
4. Transient/spot - Some providers will offer up unused capacity at a discount via transient/spot instances, but those instances can be reclaimed if the capacity is needed.