.avif)
Which Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples make the biggest impact? Get a closer look at top providers and the benefits of IaaS shaping businesses.
%20Examples%20IaaS%20vs.%20PaaS%20vs.%20SaaS%20Comparison.jpg)
Cloud computing is growing faster than ever. Experts from Precedence Research say the cloud market will be worth more than $1 trillion by 2028.
When it comes to choosing the right setup, you’ll hear about three main options: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each one handles things a little differently.
However, IaaS is the choice for businesses that want the most control without having to buy and maintain their own servers, storage, and networks.
In this guide, we’ll give real-world Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples, show how IaaS works, and walk through the biggest advantages of Infrastructure as a Service for businesses in 2025.
You'll also see how IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS compare, and why picking the right cloud service model can set your business up for long-term success.
What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing infrastructure over the Internet.
Instead of buying and maintaining physical servers, networking hardware, and storage in-house, businesses rent these resources from an IaaS provider on a pay-as-you-go basis, which is one of the main benefits of IaaS.
The common Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples allow companies to use IaaS solutions without the upfront capital expense and ongoing management that traditional physical infrastructure demands.
One example of IaaS typically includes compute resources like virtual machines, networking capabilities, and storage—all managed by the cloud service provider.
Main Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples: How do they work?
Need to know which IaaS providers businesses trust today? Let’s break down some Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples and see how IaaS actually works behind the scenes.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services is one of the most recognizable examples of IaaS.
Through AWS, businesses can access cloud-based infrastructure like Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), which provides scalable compute resources, Simple Storage Service (S3) for reliable data storage, and Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) for networking.
These services showcase how IaaS helps companies build secure and scalable environments without investing in expensive hardware and software. AWS offers comprehensive IaaS solutions that can support software development, e-commerce operations, and data analytics.
Companies using the benefits of IaaS enjoy granular control over their infrastructure resources, with the ability to deploy instances across multiple regions.
The service level agreements provided by AWS ensure high availability, making it a trustworthy service provider for mission-critical workloads.
Microsoft Azure
Azure delivers another robust Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) example, offering a wide range of cloud computing infrastructure services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Virtual Networks.
It supports hybrid environments where businesses can integrate cloud infrastructure services with on-premises data centers.
Azure is particularly popular with enterprises looking to reap the advantages of Infrastructure as a Service and has compatibility with existing Microsoft solutions and a smooth path to migrate to the cloud.
Azure's cloud computing service models are designed to meet complex infrastructure needs, from small businesses needing basic storage to multinational corporations running sophisticated software development environments.
As an IaaS platform, Azure enables organizations to maintain control over the entire infrastructure while benefiting from the scalability and security of the public cloud.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google Cloud offers another powerful example of IaaS. With services like Compute Engine for virtual machines and Cloud Storage for data management, Google Cloud emphasizes performance, security, and efficiency.
Companies using GCP can build customized environments for software applications, data analysis, and high-performance computing.
Google Cloud is often chosen by tech-savvy businesses that prioritize innovation, big data, and AI-driven projects. Its cloud infrastructure makes it easy for businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands and seize new opportunities with minimal overhead.
Other examples of IaaS providers
Aside from the big three Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples, other notable IaaS providers include IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Alibaba Cloud. Each of these vendors offers different IaaS solutions tailored for specific sectors such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
These platforms emphasize the importance of infrastructure that supports diverse workloads, whether for building cloud application services or supporting SaaS applications.
Choosing the right IaaS provider often depends on factors like service level agreements, geographic availability, pricing models, and the ability to integrate with existing IT operations.
7 advantages of Infrastructure as a Service for your business in 2025
Thinking about why so many businesses are moving to Infrastructure as a Service? Let’s look at the biggest advantages of Infrastructure as a Service can offer your company in 2025.
1. Scalability and flexibility
The scalability of IaaS is one of its strongest appeals. Businesses can scale compute resources up during peak seasons and scale down when demand falls. Unlike traditional computing infrastructure, there is no need to over-invest in resources "just in case."
With the benefits of IaaS, flexibility is baked into the solution, allowing companies to grow or pivot without heavy investments in physical infrastructure.
Whether launching a new SaaS product, expanding to new markets, or testing AI models, the IaaS platform can adjust quickly to meet shifting demands.
This agility provides a competitive edge for companies navigating fast-changing industries.
2. Cost efficiency
Using IaaS can significantly lower costs compared to owning and managing on-premises hardware and software.
Businesses pay only for the resources they consume, eliminating the need for large capital expenditures. The ability to avoid purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading expensive equipment makes IaaS solutions an attractive option for startups and enterprises alike.
When evaluating the advantages of Infrastructure as a Service, it's clear that this cloud computing model reduces operational costs while providing access to state-of-the-art technology.
Some of the most common Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples also simplify budgeting, as businesses can predict monthly costs based on usage.
3. Faster time to market
With the example of IaaS, businesses can launch products and services faster because the underlying infrastructure is already in place.
Instead of spending months procuring and setting up servers, networking, and storage, companies take advantage of Infrastructure as a Service by deploying applications in days or even hours.
This acceleration allows businesses to respond to market changes more quickly and seize opportunities before competitors.
IaaS makes it fast to test new ideas, develop software applications, or deliver new customer experiences—all critical capabilities for thriving in 2025’s dynamic market.
4. Enhanced disaster recovery and business continuity
One of the major advantages of Infrastructure as a Service is improved disaster recovery capabilities. Traditional on-premises setups often require costly and complex backup systems.
With cloud infrastructure services, businesses can quickly replicate critical data and applications across different regions. IaaS providers offer built-in redundancy, making it easier to recover systems after hardware failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.
By using an IaaS platform, companies strengthen their ability to maintain operations during unexpected events. For businesses that depend heavily on their IT systems, this level of resilience ensures customer trust and regulatory compliance.
Cloud computing infrastructure enables faster restoration times, minimal downtime, and reduced risk of data loss, all without heavy investments in physical backup facilities.
5. Greater focus on core business operations
Managing computing infrastructure in-house demands a significant amount of time, staffing, and expertise.
By partnering with an IaaS provider, businesses can shift that burden to specialized service providers who manage and maintain the underlying infrastructure. This move frees up internal IT teams to focus on innovation, customer experience, and other strategic initiatives.
With the example of IaaS, businesses do not have to worry about maintaining hardware, patching operating systems, or ensuring physical security.
Instead, resources can be directed toward software development, improving service offerings, or scaling operations.
As IaaS offers access to sophisticated cloud-based infrastructure, companies remain competitive without having to manage every layer of the technology stack themselves.
6. Access to advanced technologies
One of the major benefits of IaaS solutions is immediate access to cutting-edge technologies.
Leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples like Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services constantly update their platforms with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, big data, and cybersecurity.
Businesses using cloud service models gain access to tools and innovations that would be prohibitively expensive to develop independently.
Through the advantages of Infrastructure as a Service, businesses can integrate advanced features into their operations quickly.
Whether it's leveraging AI-powered analytics, deploying scalable cloud application services, or enhancing security protocols, companies can stay ahead of technological trends without investing in research and development themselves.
This access helps businesses remain agile and ready for the next wave of digital transformation.
7. Improved security and compliance
Security concerns are one of the biggest reasons companies hesitate to migrate to the cloud.
However, modern IaaS platforms offer sophisticated security measures that often exceed what small and mid-sized businesses can achieve on their own.
IaaS providers invest heavily in securing their cloud computing infrastructure, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and compliance certifications.
IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS: Understanding the differences
When deciding between IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS, it is essential to understand how much control and responsibility your business needs over the computing infrastructure and software applications.
An example of IaaS offers the highest level of control. Businesses manage applications, runtime, and operating systems, while the IaaS provider handles virtualization, servers, storage, and networking.
This model is ideal for businesses that need to manage complex environments or want the flexibility to choose their own software development tools.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a managed platform for developers to build, test, and deploy applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
A PaaS solution takes care of servers, storage, and networking. It simplifies software development, but businesses have less control over the environment.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is fully managed by the provider. The business simply uses the application without managing anything underneath.
SaaS solutions are perfect for companies seeking quick deployment of business tools without the need for a dedicated IT team.
Quick comparison:
- IaaS examples: Amazon EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine
- PaaS examples: Heroku, Azure App Services, Google App Engine
- SaaS examples: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Dropbox
Each cloud computing model offers different benefits based on the company's infrastructure needs, budget, and technical expertise.
5 questions to ask your business when choosing between IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS
Choosing between IaaS vs. PaaS vs SaaS requires a deep understanding of your cloud infrastructure needs. Answering these five key questions can help narrow down the right cloud service model:
1. How much control do you need over your infrastructure?
If the business requires full control over servers, storage, and networking to configure environments precisely, an example of IaaS is the most appropriate choice.
Companies that manage complex compliance requirements or build custom software applications usually prefer the advantages of Infrastructure as a Service because it allows the management of infrastructure resources directly.
2. Do you have an in-house IT or development team?
Organizations with experienced IT teams who can manage hardware and software might prefer the benefits of IaaS.
However, businesses without technical expertise looking to focus solely on application deployment without worrying about underlying infrastructure might lean toward PaaS or SaaS solutions.
3. What is your priority: speed, flexibility, or ease of use?
For businesses that prioritize fast development cycles without managing compute resources, PaaS allows rapid application deployment.
If the primary concern is simply having access to fully managed tools like CRM systems or productivity suites, SaaS provides the quickest setup with minimal management overhead.
4. Are your applications built for the cloud?
Applications built for the cloud can easily take advantage of IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS. Businesses with legacy systems or specific configuration needs often choose IaaS solutions to migrate smoothly.
For modern, cloud-native apps, using PaaS can significantly streamline development and scaling.
5. How critical is scalability and disaster recovery?
Businesses that anticipate fluctuating workloads or need advanced disaster recovery options should carefully assess the scalability of IaaS.
Cloud infrastructure services from leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples offer built-in disaster recovery solutions, making IaaS models attractive for companies requiring high availability and robust failover systems.
Ready to migrate your infrastructure with confidence?
Book a consultation with Citadel Blue today to start building the perfect cloud computing infrastructure for your business.
Whether your focus is on securing sensitive data, scaling services, or gaining more control over your computing infrastructure, our expert team is ready to design an IaaS platform that fits your specific business needs.
Let us help you access the benefits of IaaS and transform your computing infrastructure into a scalable, reliable, and future-ready powerhouse.
Your next-generation cloud service model solution is just a conversation away.
Frequently asked questions
What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and how does it work?
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides essential computing infrastructure like servers, storage, and networking over the Internet.
Businesses use IaaS to rent virtualized resources from an IaaS provider instead of investing in costly physical infrastructure.
The underlying infrastructure in IaaS is managed by the cloud service provider, allowing businesses to maintain control over applications and data while reducing the need for in-house hardware.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples offer flexibility, scalability, and access to advanced cloud computing services while saving time and operational expenses.
What are some real-world examples of IaaS services for businesses?
There are several strong examples of IaaS used across industries today. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud are leaders in offering full cloud infrastructure environments.
Examples of IaaS include AWS EC2 for scalable servers, Azure Virtual Machines for hybrid environments, and Google Compute Engine for high-performance workloads.
These platforms allow businesses to build cloud-based infrastructure that meets specific infrastructure needs, whether scaling global operations or running complex software applications within secure virtual environments.
How is IaaS different from PaaS and SaaS cloud service models?
Understanding the difference between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS is key when choosing the right cloud service model.
IaaS delivers the base infrastructure resources (servers, storage, networking), while Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides tools and frameworks for building apps without managing the base layers.
On the other hand, Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers fully developed applications like email, CRM, or productivity software.
Choosing between IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS depends on whether your priority is managing infrastructure, developing software applications, or simply using cloud-hosted solutions delivered by a SaaS provider.
What are the main advantages of using IaaS for cloud computing?
The advantages of Infrastructure as a Service for modern businesses are extensive. IaaS enables scalability of infrastructure, faster deployment of services, and better control over the entire infrastructure. Businesses can also optimize costs by only paying for the compute resources they use.
By leveraging cloud computing infrastructure through trusted service providers, companies can avoid the capital expense of building private data centers while benefiting from enhanced security, flexibility, and disaster recovery options.
This makes the benefits of IaaS especially attractive for businesses looking to migrate to the cloud.
Why is choosing between IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS important for businesses today?
Choosing the right cloud computing model is critical to aligning technology with business strategy.
IaaS allows businesses to have control and customization, PaaS provides a middle ground for rapid application development, and SaaS solutions deliver ready-to-use services without technical overhead.
When businesses evaluate the differences between IaaS and PaaS, it's essential to understand the level of control, resource management, and developer involvement required.
Modern cloud computing service models help organizations stay agile, meet growing customer demands, and streamline software development projects.
How do I know if my infrastructure is ready to migrate to the cloud?
Businesses must first assess their current infrastructure resources and future growth projections.
If managing hardware and software internally is becoming a burden or if scaling applications requires costly upgrades, it might be time to move to cloud infrastructure services.
Adopting a cloud computing service, like different Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) examples, gives businesses flexibility without owning infrastructure that supports traditional systems.
Companies built on IaaS frameworks experience faster innovation, enhanced security, and the ability to integrate cloud application services smoothly across teams.
Which type of cloud service provider is best for small businesses and startups?
For small businesses, selecting a cloud service provider that matches their growth and security requirements is essential.
Public cloud options like Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google Cloud offer accessible IaaS models, PaaS solutions, and SaaS services suitable for various business sizes.
Small organizations benefit from using PaaS platforms for easy app development or SaaS applications for communication and file management.
When specific customization is needed, IaaS providers give startups the ability to manage their own IT infrastructure, allowing complete flexibility with cost-efficient scaling within the cloud.
What benefits does IaaS give to businesses compared to traditional infrastructure?
IaaS gives businesses the opportunity to ditch costly on-premises setups in favor of a fully virtualized environment.
By shifting to a cloud-based infrastructure, companies enjoy faster deployment times, pay-as-you-go pricing models, and built-in service level agreements guaranteeing uptime and performance.
Additionally, the cloud infrastructure provided by top IaaS platforms supports agile scaling, meaning businesses can adapt quickly without massive IT investment.
Whether hosting software development environments or running critical saas services, IaaS is a cloud computing solution that future-proofs operations.
What should businesses consider when choosing an IaaS provider?
Selecting the right IaaS provider depends on several key factors. Businesses should look for a service provider offering high availability, strong security protocols, cost-effective pricing, and compatibility with PaaS solutions or SaaS applications if needed.
Additionally, evaluating service models that include robust cloud infrastructure services, flexible compute resources, and transparent support agreements is crucial.
Businesses should seek providers that offer control over their computing infrastructure, scalability options, and easy integration with cloud computing models that provide real-world operational advantages.
Back to blog
.svg)
.svg){kind=small}
-svg.webp){kind=small}