Is IaaS the new face of IT?
As many organizations move to implement Cloud Computing-based IT models, IaaS remains in high demand
IaaS has been called the most accessible form of cloud computing, with some individuals even asserting that it actually forms the underpinning of the entire cloud revolution. Regardless of whether or not you are of the mindset that IaaS is completely vital or merely useful, one thing cannot be denied and that is its current popularity. Businesses love IaaS because it offers them the best of both worlds; they get to utilize the technological advancements inherent in cloud computing while at the same time, retaining control over the details and intricacies of their IT operation(s). Cloud Computing based IT models
By all outward accounts, it would seem that companies are latching onto the idea that cloud computing is the place to be. Arguably, the big push to adapt and assimilate cloud technologies is directly related to the many known benefits it seeks to assert.
Benefits like:
- Increased efficiency in energy usage
- More rational cost-to-profit ratios
- Augmented technical capabilities
- Elimination of overhead hardware expenses
The list goes on and on… Certainly anyone that’s actually studied the positive elements of cloud computing understands that it should be considered an upgrade when compared with the current system that’s in use.
However, what many people might now be aware of are the options available to businesses for instituting cloud computing and how these choices might affect their IT operations. In reality, SaaS-style models can offer useful individual services, but shouldn’t be labeled as comprehensive solutions.
Currently, most businesses which actually rely on simple or complex IT systems (a few stray computers to complex, dedicated hardware setups) are probably already employing some form of SaaS. This often comes in the form of browser-enabled free or subscription based sites which do one or a few things like email, storage, conversion, translation, payment processing, you name it. But the use of SaaS is only really a supplement to existing infrastructure of course, and is certainly can’t be considered a substitute for a dedicated IT setup.
Then you have PaaS, which is capable of delivering complete IT solutions, albeit in a somewhat limited manner. In all actuality, PaaS is a lot like IaaS, in that it can offer reputable IT solutions, however, it is lacking in its ability to offer true user-managed options. In other words, PaaS is sort of like a more vendor-managed form of IaaS, where the provider presents a buffet of options which the client then chooses from to build their service package. If an organization is looking to build truly customized solutions for their situation, or perhaps even take control over the security of their data, PaaS is not an ideal choice.
On the other hand, PaaS can provide certain businesses that have limited experience in the cloud with an excellent opportunity to “get their feet” wet in a safer more controlled fashion. In this manner, PaaS could serve as a sort of “introduction service” for organizations that are transitioning to cloud computing and/or might be training their own IT personnel to use newer forms of infrastructure.
This of course highlights yet another increasingly important topic concerning the preparedness of businesses and their IT personnel, which is cloud training, comprehension and certification. Modern companies need to face the growing reality of increasing cloud computing adoption and the effect that this will soon be having on competition in the markets, ensuring that one’s IT assets are ready and standing by to capitalize on this is absolutely key. Additionally, there are specific programs dealing with training and certification in IaaS as well.
This brings us back to IaaS, which really the only complete IT solution (in existence) for groups that know how to properly implement it. Through IaaS organizations can essentially replace their existing grid-based / traditional IT systems and suffer virtually no loss of control. Likewise, IaaS allows for an entirely new level of fine-tuning and flexible real-time adjustments on nearly every level imaginable (that’s just not possible with other types of models). Businesses are drawn to IaaS because it’s (in all reality) the living embodiment of everything that cloud-based IT can and should be able to do.