This article has been updated December 2, 2024.
The cloud provides users with the ability to access applications hosted remotely from any place at any time. Along with allowing the Software as a Service (SaaS) deployment model, in which a single system is hosted and provided by a vendor through the Internet, cloud computing also enables your business to leverage Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS lets a provider host everything else you need to run your software applications, from various servers to other IT resources to all of your interconnected integrations that power your workflow automations, without having to load each piece of it separately from its own siloed environment.
Understanding IaaS and Cloud vs On-premise Infrastructure
Before diving into the benefits, it is important to understand how infrastructure hosting differs from the historical approach. While traditional on-premise server infrastructure requires a significant capital investment in hardware, ongoing maintenance, keeping a dedicated in-house IT staff onsite and replacing your resources every few years, hosting in the cloud provides a flexible alternative that transforms how your business can manage your technology resources.
The IaaS model alleviates IT maintenance burdens and lets you streamline how your business deploys software. By utilizing remote cloud data centers for your business technology, you receive more flexibility in how you pay for and manage your enterprise solutions. Network resources delivered by cloud-based computing removes many of the headaches that occur with traditional application deployments provided through onsite set-ups.
Here are five benefits of leveraging Infrastructure as a Service to host your software solutions in the cloud:
1. Cost
The IaaS model delivers immediate cost benefits from eliminating hardware maintenance, as well as providing more flexible pricing options. IT resources can be supplied on an as-needed basis instead of having to be sustained perpetually. This allows your business to avoid the consistent expenses of keeping onsite servers and scale overhead according to what you actually need at the moment.
Additional cost advantages include:
- Elimination of hardware refresh cycles
- Reduced power consumption and cooling costs
- No need for dedicated server room space
- Predictable monthly operating expenses
- Reduced IT staffing requirements
2. Security
With in-house software deployments and installations, network security is dependent on the ability of your business to monitor ever connected machine. Hosted cloud environment transfer part of this burden to the third-party provider, whose sole responsibility is maintaining the stability of your solution. By being able to devote their own resources to physical and network security measures, application hosting services reduce the obligation on your to managing system endpoints.
Modern IaaS security features typically include:
- 24/7 monitoring and threat detection
- Enterprise-grade firewalls
- Regular security patching and updates
- Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Access control and authentication
- Compliance with industry standards
3. Scalability and Access
The agility of hosted cloud services means that it is easier to adapt your software deployment to growth and other developments. Plans can be expanded to include new users and data bandwidth as demands escalate, without having to migrate to a completely new system. Your hosting provider will also ensure that additional access is delivered through a secure cloud environment to prevent unauthorized interaction with your network.
Key scalability advantages also include:
- On-demand resource allocation
- Support for seasonal business fluctuations
- Easy addition of new applications and integrations
- Multi-location access capabilities
- Support for remote and hybrid work models
4. Service
Hosting software through a third-party cloud service provider also helps you optimize data access to be delivered in real-time and based on defined user conditions. With a team dedicated to monitoring data bandwidth, your hosting service is better able to ensure sustained network connection speeds and prevent downtime.
Professional IaaS providers like SWK deliver:
- Guaranteed uptime SLAs
- Performance monitoring and optimization
- Load balancing
- Technical support
- Regular maintenance and updates
5. Backup and Recovery
Onsite data is at the mercy of your local storage in the event of an accident or ransomware infection, and will be lost if the physical hardware is damaged or cannot be accessed. As part of your service, IaaS providers can back up your data in a secure cloud environment to allow you to reclaim all of your files entirely at any time. A cloud-based Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solution automates backup procedures using the same virtualization technology as Infrastructure-as-a-Service, keeping your data restore up-to-date and avoiding human error.
Some of these backup and recovery services will include:
- Automated backup scheduling
- Multiple backup locations
- Quick recovery time objectives (RTO)
- Point-in-time recovery options
- Disaster recovery planning and testing
IaaS for ERP Systems
For businesses running enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, IaaS offers particular advantages. Modern ERP solutions such as Acumatica require robust infrastructure to support complex operations, multiple users, and integrated applications.
IaaS for ERP provides:
- Dedicated resources for optimal ERP performance
- Support for multiple integrated applications
- Enhanced database management capabilities
- Simplified updates and maintenance
- Improved system reliability
Why Choose SWK Technologies for IaaS?
SWK Technologies combines over 30 years of expertise in ERP solutions with tailored IaaS offerings. Our infrastructure hosting environment is specifically designed to support complex application deployments, including integration connectors and server networks, providing businesses with reliable, scalable and secure cloud services.
Host Your Software Applications in the Cloud with IaaS
Hosting your enterprise applications through a secure cloud connection lets you manage the cost of ownership and resource consumption of your business technology implementation. By having your IT infrastructure delivered as a service, your asset maintenance burdens are delegated while still allowing you to capture the benefits of an automated software solution.
Contact SWK here to learn more about IaaS and dive deeper into our infrastructure hosting services for ERP such as Acumatica and Sage 100.