Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Learn about Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), including its benefits, challenges, and key characteristics. Understand how IaaS provides essential computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networking through server virtualization.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides essential computing resources over the internet. This model allows users to access physical and virtual machines, storage, and other fundamental resources. It offers a variety of resources such as:

  • Virtual Machine Disk Storage: Storage space for virtual machines.
  • Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs): Virtualized network segments.
  • Load Balancers: Tools to distribute traffic across multiple servers.
  • IP Addresses: Internet addresses for networking.
  • Software Bundles: Pre-packaged software for various needs.

These resources are provided through server virtualization, allowing users to manage them as if they owned them.

Benefits of IaaS

  • Full Control Over Computing Resources:
    • Administrative Access: Customers can control virtual machines (VMs) by issuing commands to start, stop, or configure applications, much like managing physical servers.
    • Custom Software: Users can install and run any software, including custom operating systems, on their VMs.
  • Flexible and Efficient Renting:
    • Pay-as-You-Go: IaaS resources like VMs, storage, and bandwidth are rented based on usage time. This model provides flexibility and cost efficiency.
    • Resource Scaling: Customers can easily adjust the amount of resources they use, scaling up or down as needed.
  • Portability and Interoperability:
    • Legacy Applications: IaaS supports running legacy applications on virtual machines, allowing them to function similarly to how they would on traditional hardware.

Issues with IaaS

  • Compatibility with Legacy Security Vulnerabilities:
    • Legacy Software: Running outdated software on IaaS platforms can expose customers to existing security vulnerabilities, which may be difficult to address.
  • Virtual Machine Sprawl:
    • Update Management: VMs can remain in various states (running, suspended, or off), which can lead to outdated security updates. Although providers may offer automatic updates, managing these can be complex.
  • Robustness of VM-Level Isolation:
    • Hypervisor Security: IaaS uses hypervisors to create isolated environments for each customer. Ensuring these virtual machines are securely isolated from each other is crucial to prevent cross-VM issues.
  • Data Erasure Practices:
    • Residual Data: When a customer releases a resource, it’s important that the cloud provider ensures no residual data remains, so the next customer cannot access old data.

Characteristics of IaaS

  • Pre-Installed Software and Operating Systems: IaaS provides virtual machines with various pre-installed software and operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Solaris.
  • On-Demand Resource Availability: Resources are available as needed, allowing for flexibility and scalability.
  • Data Storage Flexibility: Users can store data copies in multiple locations to enhance reliability.
  • Scalable Resources: Computing resources can be easily scaled up or down based on the user’s needs.