Cloud, data & platform systems · Working
Infrastructure as a service
Also called: IaaS
ELI5
Rent computing infrastructure instead of owning hardware.
Used in conversation
“The IaaS cost rises with data processing volume.”
Definition
On-demand computing infrastructure such as virtual machines, storage and networks supplied as a service.
Here “Infrastructure as a service” means: On-demand computing infrastructure such as virtual machines, storage and networks supplied as a service.
Pitch context
You will see “Infrastructure as a service” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches cloud, data & platform systems.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret cloud, data & platform systems without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 2
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16