Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Describe cloud conceptsMedium
A software development company is migrating its legacy applications to the cloud. They want to retain full control over the operating system, middleware, and application runtime, but offload the management of physical servers, virtualization, and networking. Which cloud service model should they choose?
- AInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- BPlatform as a Service (PaaS)
- CServerless Computing
- DSoftware as a Service (SaaS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized computing resources like virtual machines, storage, and networks, while the user retains control over the operating systems, middleware, and applications. This aligns with the company's need to control the higher layers while the provider manages the physical infrastructure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. PaaS manages the OS and runtime for the user, which would remove the desired control.
- C. Serverless computing abstracts away servers entirely, focusing on code execution, not control over OS or middleware.
- D. SaaS provides a ready-to-use application, with no user control over OS or middleware.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
A cloud service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. The provider manages the physical infrastructure, while the user is responsible for operating systems, applications, and middleware.
- Highest level of control for the user (above physical hardware)
- Provider manages physical servers, virtualization, networking
- User manages OS, middleware, applications, data
Memory trick: IaaS is your 'infrastructure-as-a-service', you get the building blocks but build your own house.