Infrastructure-as-a-Service is Leading the Cloud Computing Race
It is an undisputed fact that cloud computing technology is experiencing rapid growth. The huge impact of cloud-based services on business performance is forcing companies to re-evaluate their concerns and move to the cloud. Recent analysis from Gartner, an IT research and advisory company, explores the overall trends of cloud computing models.
Gartner says the market for public cloud services is expected to rise to 18.5% to $131 billion in 2013, up from $111 billion in 2012. It is interesting to note the trends of different cloud computing models. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) continues to lead the pack, with 42.4% growth in 2012 and is expected to reach 47.3% in 2013.
Why is IaaS attracting more entrepreneurs?
It is not difficult to understand the growing demand for the IaaS Cloud Computing model. Businesses get the flexibility to scale up resources automatically according to their requirements. By creating virtual machines in the cloud, network administrators can use existing infrastructure to run multiple operating systems, platforms, and applications. While available resources are optimized, managing the infrastructure is simple and easy. With a rich web-based interface, users can control networks effectively.
Another important feature of IaaS for businesses is its ready-to-use infrastructure. With a cloud-based IaaS, setting up networks is simple and quick. By handling your infrastructure needs, IaaS allows you to concentrate on your core business processes. By improving the quality of applications, you can provide more value to your customers. Moreover, businesses can try this system by paying for the services on the go. If the method is producing amazing results, companies can continue using these services. If they require something more, IaaS services can be adapted.
IaaS versus PaaS
The IaaS model has an advantage over PaaS and other cloud computing services. It offers flexibility to create databases and configure servers according to the requirement of the specific business. PaaS comes with pre-installed and pre-configured infrastructure. On the other hand, IaaS users need to configure the servers and create databases on their own. However, the line that divides these two services is becoming thinner. Today, cloud computing services offer IaaS augmented by additional PaaS services.
The two service types should not be viewed as opposites, but rather complements. For instance, GMO Cloud offers primarily IaaS but offers operating systems and applications for easy installation.
IaaS and SMBs
Another important reason for moving to the IaaS setup is its appeal for small and medium businesses (SMBs). While the majority of large enterprises have already embraced cloud computing technology, SMBs are still exploring various options in the cloud. However, 2012 saw more of them moving into the cloud. IaaS offers highly efficient computing networks for such businesses.
The quality of the infrastructure, highly secure features, and scalable solutions are, otherwise, not in the reach of SMBs. The IaaS model allows businesses to work on highly scalable IT infrastructure while saving costs on Capex. However, IaaS is not for everyone. Businesses need to define their IT requirements, and expertise levels in handling the associated complexity clearly. Then they need to compare the pricing structure with and without the cloud.
While there are certain concerns, the amazing benefits offered by IaaS far outweigh them. The key to success lies in embracing this innovation immediately.
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About the Guest Author:
Kaushik Das is an engineer, research analyst and a technical writer in the areas wireless, IT, enterprise software, next-generation hosting, storage and renewable energy. He specializes in competitive analysis, market research, industry insights, white paper and actionable web content development.
