Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that allows companies to rent essential IT resources—such as servers, storage, and networking—without investing in physical hardware. These resources are available on-demand via the Internet and are billed through a pay-as-you-go model, ensuring flexibility, speed, and lower management costs.
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Benefits for businesses
Google highlights how IaaS allows companies to avoid infrastructure investments, often cutting costs significantly. IBM adds that this model simplifies workflow management, reduces high upfront expenses, and supports both startups and large enterprises. Finally, Agenda Digitale points out additional advantages such as remote work, business continuity, and enhanced security.
Comparison between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
In addition to IaaS, there are other cloud computing models: PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service). Here are the main differences:
- IaaS: provides the entire virtualized infrastructure (servers, storage, networking, etc.). The user manages the operating system (OS), data, and applications;
- PaaS: includes both infrastructure and platform (development tools, databases, etc.). The user focuses solely on developing applications without managing the infrastructure;
- SaaS: the provider manages everything, including the application. The user simply accesses it via the web without worrying about configuring software or hardware.
When to use Infrastructure as a Service model?
According to IBM, the typical use cases of the Infrastructure as a Service model include:
- development and testing;
- backup and disaster recovery;
- website hosting;
- big data analytics;
- high-performance computing;
- hybrid multi-cloud;
- artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Why IaaS is strategic for Italy
The adoption of Infrastructure as a Service today represents a strategic driver for the growth of the Italian economy. First and foremost, model enables the rapid launch of new digital projects, reducing the time and costs associated with hardware, while also providing benefits in terms of energy and environmental sustainability.
At the same time, it offers greater agility by supporting remote work and long-distance collaboration, freeing up resources from maintenance activities. In short, we could say that IaaS is, in every respect, an accelerator of competitiveness for the entire system.
Develop IaaS-based projects with PMF Research
PMF Research is seeking Italian and European partners (companies, universities, research centers) interested in developing innovative projects based on Infrastructure as a Service solutions. If your organization believes in IaaS and aims to:
- accelerate digital transformation;
- leverage agile and scalable cloud infrastructures;
- take part in European research and development (R&D) initiatives
get in touch with us! Together we will design high-impact IaaS solutions capable of driving innovation and growth in Italy and abroad.
PMF Research: for a more digital and competitive Europe
