What does IaaS stand for in cloud computing?

IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service. This model of cloud computing provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. In IaaS, a third-party provider hosts hardware, servers, storage, and data center space, allowing organizations to purchase these resources on a pay-as-you-go basis instead of investing in physical hardware.

This model is appealing for businesses of all sizes because it offers flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Users can quickly scale up or down according to their needs since they are not tied to a significant upfront investment in physical infrastructure. This allows organizations to focus on their core business without the burdens of maintaining hardware, thus increasing operational efficiency.

Understanding IaaS is essential in recognizing how cloud computing can support business operations and the strategic advantages it offers compared to traditional IT infrastructure.