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Infrastructure as a service

Also known as IaaS

Renting virtual servers, storage, and networking from a cloud provider while retaining responsibility for the operating system upward.

IaaS is the closest cloud equivalent to owning servers. The provider handles hardware, power, and the hypervisor; you still patch the operating system, configure the firewall, and back up the data.

The most frequent misunderstanding is assuming the provider covers more than they do. Moving a server to the cloud does not outsource its patching or its backup.

Where this comes up

Infrastructure as a service sits inside our microsoft 365 and cloud work. If you are trying to work out what this means for your own environment rather than in the abstract, that is the page worth reading next, and a short call will get you a straight answer faster than either.

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Related terms

Platform as a service Renting a managed runtime for your application, with the provider handling the operating system and platform underneath. Software as a service Subscribing to software the vendor runs entirely, accessed through a browser or app. Microsoft Azure Microsoft's cloud platform for hosting servers, applications, databases, and infrastructure services. Shared responsibility model The division of security duties between a cloud provider and its customer, which shifts depending on the service type.

More in microsoft 365 and cloud

300-seat capBYODCloud migrationCloud Solution ProviderData loss preventioneDiscoveryExchange OnlineInsider Risk Management

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