"Infrastructure as a Service" (IaaS) refers to a cloud computing model where a provider delivers essential IT infrastructure like servers, storage, and networking resources on demand, allowing users to access and utilize these resources over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis, without having to manage the underlying physical hardware; essentially, "renting" computing power instead of buying and maintaining your own hardware.
Key points about IaaS:
- Flexibility:
Users can scale up or down their resource usage based on their needs, paying only for what they use. - Control:
While the provider manages the physical infrastructure, users still have control over their operating systems, applications, and data. - Cost-effective:
Eliminates the need for large upfront investments in hardware and reduces maintenance costs.
Examples of IaaS providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.