IaaS
Definition
Infrastructure as a Service - renting basic computing resources like servers and storage from cloud providers, offering flexibility and cost savings.
Use Cases
- Netflix: Scalable streaming platform — Netflix uses AWS EC2 to dynamically scale its server capacity to handle varying loads and ensure smooth streaming services. (Achieved high availability and performance, reducing downtime and improving user experience.)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: Amazon EC2
- Azure: Azure Virtual Machines
- GCP: Google Compute Engine
- OCI: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Compute
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between IaaS and PaaS?
- IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, while PaaS offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with infrastructure complexities.
- When should I use IaaS?
- Use IaaS when you need full control over your computing resources, require scalability, or want to avoid the costs and complexities of maintaining physical hardware.
- How much does IaaS cost?
- IaaS costs vary based on usage, including factors like compute power, storage, and data transfer. Providers often offer pay-as-you-go pricing models.
Category: cloud
Difficulty: intermediate
Related Terms
See Also