A Guide to Application Hosting and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Application Hosting and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) have emerged as vital services for businesses of all sizes. But what exactly does this entail, and why should it matter to you? Simply put, cloud hosting enables your physical or virtual servers to be maintained in a data center, eliminating the need for on-premise hardware. This modern approach can unlock a multitude of benefits for your business.
In this video presentation, SWK Technologies discusses various topics surrounding hosting services, such as application versus infrastructure hosting, reasons why businesses turn to IaaS, and what makes SWK’s hosting different from competitors. Here is a quick recap of the most important points.
What is Hosting?
As mentioned before, cloud hosting allows you to have your servers hosted in a state-of-the-art data center, rather than maintaining them on your own premises (i.e., onsite). This enables you to access your critical business information from anywhere in the world, at any time, through secure connections. By opting for hosting services, you free yourself from the costly server hardware refresh cycle that typically occurs every three to five years, allowing you to focus on your core business activities instead of IT maintenance.
There are two primary types of hosting that businesses commonly utilize:
1. Application Hosting
2. Infrastructure as a Service
Join us as we examine each of these in more detail to help you determine which option might best suit your organization’s needs.
Application Hosting
Application hosting is a powerful service that is changing how businesses access and utilize their critical software. This approach involves serving up your line of business applications from a secure private cloud, offering a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and flexibility. Here is a deeper look at the key features and advantages of application hosting:
- Easy access for employees using a private connection or web browser
- Virtual servers configured to application publishers’ specifications
- Customized setup based on factors like version, number of users, and storage needs
- Simple pricing model with a fixed fee per user per month
- Predictable IT spend
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service represents a more flexible hosting service option that is transforming IT departments for businesses of all sizes. While it can include application hosting, IaaS goes several steps further, offering a complete virtual IT environment that can be customized to meet your specific business needs. Here is what IaaS entails and how it can benefit your organization:
- Application hosting: Similar to the standalone service but integrated into a broader IaaS ecosystem. This allows for seamless interaction between your hosted applications and other IT components
- Domain controllers: These servers manage security authentication requests within a domain, ensuring secure access to network resources. By hosting these in the cloud, you can maintain centralized control over user access and security policies across multiple locations
- File and print servers: Cloud-based file servers allow for centralized storage and easy access to company documents from anywhere, while print servers manage print jobs and queues. This setup enhances collaboration and reduces the need for on-premise hardware
- Application servers: These dedicated servers host and run specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation. In an IaaS model, these can be easily scaled up or down based on demand
Benefits of IaaS
- Moves all your servers to a secure private cloud
- Shifts IT spending from capital expenditure to operating expenditure
- Improves cash flow, allowing redirection of funds to other key objectives
- Configurable based on function, software requirements, memory needs, and data storage
- Fixed monthly fee based on system resources configured in each server
- Adjustable system resources over time
Why Businesses Choose IaaS Hosting Services
We routinely see that more and more businesses are turning to IaaS to meet their complex IT needs. But what specific challenges and opportunities are driving this shift? Let’s explore some common scenarios that lead businesses to adopt IaaS hosting, and how this technology addresses these critical issues:
- Unexpected Infrastructure Upgrades: Avoid large, unbudgeted expenses for new hardware by opting for a more predictable monthly fee model
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Benefit from SWK’s Security Operations Center (SOC) which scans all traffic passing through the data center for malicious code, links, attachments, and viruses
- Performance Issues: Access scalable, modern infrastructure with the ability to apply “burstable” broadband to quickly adjust system resources based on performance needs
- Remote Workforce Management: Provide secure access to critical business applications for employees across different locations , including via a browser.
What Sets SWK’s Hosting Services Apart?
SWK offers customers a blend of expertise, infrastructure, and customer-centric services. Our approach to cloud hosting is designed to exceed expectations, providing a comprehensive solution that addresses complex IT challenges. Here is a look at what sets SWK apart:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Cost-Effective | Lower costs than Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, with no hidden fees |
| Single Vendor Support | Comprehensive support for both infrastructure and software, including Sage applications |
| World-Leading Cybersecurity | 24/7/365 security monitoring by a top-ranked managed service provider |
| Business Continuity | Fault tolerance and full redundancy to eliminate single points of failure |
| Enhanced Productivity | Load balancing, parallel processing, and job scheduling to eliminate bottlenecks |
| Dynamic Provisioning | SWK owns all equipment, allowing for rapid response to system resource change requests |
| Data Backup | Three backups per day for robust business continuity |
| Friendly Support | Courteous support personnel ready to assist when needed |
By choosing SWK for your hosting needs, you are partnering with a provider that understands both your IT environment and your software requirements. This integrated approach fosters improved service and support, eliminating the need to manage multiple vendors and reducing potential downtime.
Contact the Hosting Experts Today
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your infrastructure, enhance your cybersecurity, improve performance, or support a remote workforce, SWK Technologies’ hosting services offer a wide-reaching, cost-effective solution tailored to your business needs.
For more information or to discuss how our hosting services can benefit your organization, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let SWK Technologies be your partner in optimizing your IT infrastructure.