At a glance
- usage-based billing model (“pay-as-you-go”)
- IT infrastructure from the cloud instead of own hardware
- flexible scalability as resource requirements grow
- maximum control over operating system, applications, and data
- foundation for cloud operation of BI solutions such as DeltaMaster
What would you like to know about IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)?
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IaaS definition
The abbreviation IaaS stands for Infrastructure-as-a-Service and is a cloud-based service model in which fundamental IT resources such as computing power, storage space, network components, and virtual machines are provided on demand over the Internet. Users rent this infrastructure from a cloud provider instead of operating their own hardware. The flexibly scalable resources are typically billed based on usage (“pay-as-you-go”). As a result, IaaS offers an on-demand adaptable and cost-efficient foundation for operating applications, databases, or development environments.
„We run DeltaMaster on virtual machines in an IaaS environment and can flexibly adapt the resources to growing data volumes without having to maintain our own server landscape.“Head of Controlling
Industrial company
IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS: what is the difference?
In addition to IaaS, Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) are also among the central service models in cloud computing. The three cloud services differ in their scope of functions and areas of application. They cover different needs of companies and each shift different IT tasks to the provider.
| Characteristic | IaaS | PaaS | SaaS |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is provided? | Servers, storage, networking | Infrastructure + development platform | Ready-to-use software application |
| Control held by the user | High | Medium | Low |
| Responsibility of the provider | Infrastructure | Infrastructure + platform | Everything |
| Typical users | IT teams, developers | Developers, DevOps | End users, business departments |
| Examples | Microsoft Azure VMs, AWS EC2 | Google App Engine, Azure App Service | Microsoft 365, Salesforce |
- IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) provides basic IT resources such as servers, networks, and storage. It offers maximum control and flexibility for companies that want to run or develop their own applications without having to invest in local hardware. Ideal for variable workloads and cost optimization.
- PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) goes one step further and delivers a complete development environment including hardware, middleware, and development tools. It makes it easier for teams to develop, deploy, and scale applications quickly and cost-effectively without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure.
- SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) means a ready-to-use software solution that can be used over the internet. Users neither have to develop applications nor manage IT resources, but access the hosted services directly. Perfect for standardized applications such as CRM, ERP, or email.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of IaaS?
IaaS offers companies a flexible, scalable infrastructure from the cloud – without high investments in their own hardware. Depending on the use scenario, both advantages and challenges arise:
Advantages of IaaS
- Scalability: IT resources can be flexibly adapted to current needs.
- Cost control: Billing is usage-based, without high initial investments.
- Fast provisioning: The infrastructure can be provided and configured without significant time expenditure.
- Global access: Via VPN or remote desktop, teams can access systems worldwide.
- Ideal for BI applications: Powerful environments for analyses, data models, and reports – such as DeltaMaster – can be set up quickly. IaaS thereby enables secure access to large volumes of data – without physical server landscapes in your own data center.
Disadvantages of IaaS
- Technical know-how required: Setting up and managing the infrastructure is the responsibility of the user.
- Security and data protection risks: Sensitive data must be secured and compliance requirements observed.
- Dependence on the provider: Availability, pricing, and service quality lie with the provider.
- Complexity in multi-cloud environments: Integrating different services can cause additional effort.
How does IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) work?
With IaaS, a company rents basic IT resources over the internet instead of operating its own hardware. Provisioning takes place on demand and usage-based.
What does a company need for IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)?
The successful use of IaaS requires technical know-how and clear framework conditions, since setting up and managing the infrastructure lies with the user.
Application examples: For what reasons is Infrastructure-as-a-Service used?
IaaS is used for various reasons. The motives range from cost savings to flexibility and the fast provisioning of IT resources.
What would you like to use IaaS for?
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Bissantz and IaaS
The business intelligence software DeltaMaster from Bissantz can be operated flexibly in IaaS environments and benefits from the advantages of cloud-based infrastructure. Customers can, for example, install DeltaMaster on virtual machines in Microsoft Azure or other IaaS platforms, thus realizing BI applications without their own server landscape.
The combination of IaaS and DeltaMaster enables fast scalability, especially as data volumes or user numbers grow, as well as high availability and worldwide access. For companies that value high data security, control over their IT landscape, and a tailored BI solution, using DeltaMaster in an IaaS environment offers an ideal balance between flexibility and governance.
Bissantz supports customers with best practices for operating DeltaMaster on IaaS platforms and offers comprehensive consulting on integration into existing IT architectures – including in combination with PaaS or SaaS strategies.
| Function | Benefit |
|---|---|
| DeltaMaster on virtual machines | BI operation without your own server landscape, for example in Microsoft Azure |
| Scalable cloud operation | quick adaptation as data volume or user numbers grow |
| High availability and worldwide access | Teams access the BI solution across multiple locations |
| Best practices and consulting | Support with operation and integration into existing IT architectures |
„Running our BI solution in the cloud gives us the necessary control over our IT landscape and data security, and at the same time worldwide access for our teams.“IT Manager
Retail company
Frequently asked questions
What is IaaS explained simply?
IaaS means that a company does not buy and operate IT infrastructure such as servers or storage itself, but rents it from a cloud provider – and only pays for what is actually used. It is comparable to renting an office instead of buying a building: the basic structure is available, and the tenant handles the furnishing themselves.
What is the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS?
IaaS provides pure infrastructure, PaaS additionally supplies a development platform, and SaaS offers ready-to-use software over the Internet. The higher the service model, the more responsibility the provider assumes – and the less control the user has.
Which companies is IaaS particularly suitable for?
IaaS is especially suitable for companies with variable resource requirements, their own IT teams, and a desire for maximum control over their infrastructure – for example, when operating BI solutions, databases, or development environments.
How can DeltaMaster be operated in an IaaS environment?
DeltaMaster can be installed on virtual machines in IaaS platforms such as Microsoft Azure. Bissantz supports customers with best practices for setup, operation, and integration into existing IT architectures – for a secure, scalable BI environment without their own server landscape.
Summary
IaaS offers companies a flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient foundation for operating modern IT applications – without investing in their own hardware. Especially for data-intensive applications such as business intelligence, IaaS enables the on-demand provisioning of high-performance environments. DeltaMaster from Bissantz integrates seamlessly into IaaS platforms such as Microsoft Azure, thus combining the flexibility of cloud-based infrastructure with the requirements for data security, control, and governance in enterprise use.
Questions about Infrastructure-as-a-Service?
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