What is Infrastructure As a Service? 5 Game-Changing Examples for Small Businesses

If you’re looking for examples of Infrastructure as a Service that actually apply to small businesses, this is where it gets practical.

You don’t need enterprise-grade systems to run a good operation. But you do need IT that works without regular intervention. You need systems that adapt when you grow and tools that don’t need a full-time IT manager to maintain.

That’s what Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) delivers. It gives you access to servers, storage, and networking on demand, all managed through secure, cloud-based platforms. There’s no need to invest in physical hardware up front, and you can scale resources as your needs change, whether you’re adding a new team or rolling out new software.

It’s also cost effective. You pay for what you use, avoid unnecessary overhead, and leave the maintenance to someone else.

So what exactly is IaaS, and how does it work?

What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?

IaaS is one of the foundational layers of the cloud solutions model. It lets businesses access critical IT infrastructure like computing power, storage, networking, without needing to actually own or manage the physical equipment.

Instead of buying servers and dealing with upgrades, you run everything in a virtual environment. That infrastructure is hosted by your provider and accessed over the internet.

Think of IaaS as renting the foundation of your IT environment. Your provider gives you access to the infrastructure via the cloud, and you control how it’s configured and scaled. This gives you the functions of a physical data centre, but without needing to manage the hardware, power, cooling or upgrades.

IaaS typically includes:

  • Virtual servers, storage and networking The core components of your IT environment delivered over the cloud, with no physical hardware needed.
  • Reliable infrastructure for running software applications Host and manage your software in a stable, secure environment that won’t collapse under pressure.
  • Flexible support for hybrid cloud setups Mix local systems with cloud environments to suit how your business operates.
  • Built-in redundancy and failover If something breaks, your systems switch to a backup, which reduces the risk of downtime or data loss.

It’s also the base layer that supports other services like Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). Rather than buying a packaged solution, you’re gaining control over the environment those platforms rely on.

Find out more about Saas.

Note: When selecting an IaaS provider, ensure they comply with Australian privacy and industry standards such as the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

5 Ways Small Businesses Are Using IaaS to Stay Competitive

1. Cloud-Based Virtual Servers

For small businesses, moving away from physical servers can be a turning point. Virtual machines (VMs) hosted in the cloud remove the need for expensive hardware and ongoing maintenance. But it’s not just about cutting costs.

You can run your business-critical applications, like CRMs, accounting systems, databases, or customer portals, in the cloud with consistent performance. Scale up quickly when your business grows, or down when it doesn’t. Deployments take only minutes. If something goes wrong, there’s no scrambling for spare parts or chasing warranty support, because your systems are still online.

This can be the difference between your IT holding your business back and helping it grow.

Benefits:

  • Fast deployment and provisioning
  • Flexible scaling
  • No upfront hardware costs
  • Reduced maintenance workload
  • Consistent performance for business applications

For businesses looking to extend this setup to staff devices, virtualisation also enables secure virtual desktop environments, giving users access to the same desktop from anywhere. Take a look at our Virtual Desktop Infrastructure services to find out more.

2. Storage Solutions on Demand

Running out of space used to mean buying another drive, waiting on procurement, and hoping nothing broke in the meantime. With IaaS, cloud storage means you don’t hit capacity walls or waste money on unused space.

It also changes how you handle disaster recovery. Instead of backing up to physical devices that fail, your data is stored securely in the cloud and accessible when you need it.

Storage becomes a utility. You use what you need, pay for what you use, and never scramble for space again.

Benefits:

  • Automated backup and restore
  • Secure document storage for compliance
  • File sharing across multiple teams or locations
  • Archiving inactive data without using local storage
  • Supporting cloud-based applications that require scalable data access

Thinking of retiring your old storage hardware? Our Cloud Migration Services help move your data without disruption.

3. Networking Infrastructure

Once your apps and servers are in the cloud, your old-school network might start showing its cracks. Clunky VPNs and hardware firewalls, and cobbled-together site links can’t keep up with remote work and new office setups.

Virtual networking is the cloud-native way to keep everything connected, securely and without a stack of dated technology. You get encrypted links between sites, remote access for staff, and traffic control that moves with your business, all configured in minutes.

And because it’s software-based, there’s no waiting for hardware and no extra appliance failures to troubleshoot.

Benefits:

  • Secure remote access for staff and contractors
  • Segment traffic by team, site or workload
  • Encrypted tunnels between cloud and on-prem systems
  • Centralised, software-based control of network policies
  • No hardware dependencies or licensing surprises

If your setup is growing or becoming harder to manage, our Network & Connectivity Services helps you build it right from the ground up.

4. Development and Testing Environments

Small businesses that develop or customise software often face a choice: risk testing on live systems or invest in short-term infrastructure they may not need later. IaaS gives you the option of temporary environments that are easy to manage and tear down.

You can run experiments or test integrations in a clean, isolated environment. It keeps your live systems stable while giving your team the freedom to move quickly.

Benefits:

  • Temporary sandboxes for app development
  • Isolated pilot environments for internal rollouts
  • Testing third-party software before deployment
  • Trying different configurations or integrations
  • Training environments for new team members or tech rollouts

It’s a low-risk way to innovate, without the cost of building a lab. Wondering how to make a better budget further? See Managed IT Services Cost in Brisbane: 7 Ways to Cut Expenses.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery Services

Backups are only useful if they work when you need them. IaaS turns backup and disaster recovery from a fragile, manual task into a built-in, automated system that runs quietly in the background. This lays the groundwork for Creating a Business Continuity Management Plan That Actually Works.

If something fails, your data is already secured in the cloud. Systems can be restored quickly. You’re prepared to recover.

Benefits:

  • Scheduled, automatic backups to secure cloud storage
  • Fast restoration of files, systems or entire environments
  • Redundancy across multiple storage locations
  • Built-in support for compliance and audit requirements
  • Integration with business continuity planning

Backups are essential, but they’re only half the battle. A well-tested Disaster & Recovery Plan makes sure your business knows exactly what to do when things go wrong.

Bringing IaaS Into Your Business

For small businesses, IaaS offers something steady. flexibility without complexity, performance without waste, and support you don’t have to chase.

With IaaS, you can:

  • Avoid the cost and effort of maintaining physical infrastructure
  • Grow systems without waiting on hardware
  • Keep your team productive, even when plans change

It’s about being ready. At Deployus, we make IaaS work reliably and tailored to your business. You get personal service, clear answers, and continuity from a local team that shows up when it counts.

Learn more about our Infrastructure as a Service offering and see what it looks like when IT just works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides virtualised computing resources like servers, storage, and networking over the internet. Instead of owning and maintaining physical hardware, businesses rent the infrastructure they need from a provider.

IaaS helps small businesses reduce upfront hardware costs, grow systems quickly, and access enterprise-grade infrastructure without the need for in-house IT. It’s flexible, affordable, and ideal for businesses that need reliability without complexity.

  • IaaS provides the base infrastructure: servers, storage, and networking.
  • PaaS (Platform as a Service) delivers tools for building and deploying applications.
  • SaaS (Software as a Service) offers complete software solutions hosted and managed by a provider.

Each layer builds on the one below it, offering more abstraction and less direct control.

Most IaaS providers offer high levels of security, including data encryption, access controls, and regular backups. Still, it’s important to choose a provider that takes security seriously and aligns with your compliance needs.

Start by identifying the parts of your infrastructure that are causing strain, like outdated servers, limited storage, unreliable backups. From there, work with a provider who can tailor an IaaS solution to suit your size, budget, and growth plans.

Onsite IT Support vs Remote Support: Which is Right for Your Business?

For small businesses, the right onsite IT support can save hours of lost productivity. IT issues stall productivity and chip away at customer trust.

If you’ve ever waited on the phone for hours, you already know that not all business IT support is created equal.

This blog breaks down onsite and remote support side by side. We’ll look at what small businesses in Brisbane should prioritise, and why response time, not just cost, should shape your decision.

Onsite IT Support – Why It Matters

Onsite IT support services are exactly what they sound like. A technician shows up at your workplace when something breaks, slows down, or needs to be set up right the first time.

They cover a wide range of in-person help:

  • Urgent troubleshooting for hardware issues, networking faults, or server failures
  • Support for new office setups, relocations, or rollouts
  • Scheduled visits to check systems, patch vulnerabilities, and apply updates
  • Proactive guidance on emerging risks and maintenance planning

Getting IT Support Onsite in Brisbane

If your IT provider isn’t based nearby, you can’t afford to wait for someone to cross state lines just to fix a local issue.

Here’s how local onsite support keeps your operations moving:

  • Rapid response — Brisbane-based technicians can arrive same-day for most issues
  • Familiar engineers — who know your team, your systems, and your goals
  • End-to-end fixes — both hardware and software sorted in one visit
  • Fewer delays — physical access means less back-and-forth, more resolution

Finding a local provider you can rely on is essential. Quick, onsite help keeps your business running when things go wrong.

The Benefits and Limits of Remote IT Support

Remote support plays a critical role in modern managed IT services, especially for smaller businesses with lean teams. When things go wrong with email, Microsoft 365, or user accounts, you want someone to jump in without needing to send a technician onsite.

Remote IT helpdesks can diagnose and resolve many issues in minutes. Their additional benefits include:

  • Fast response to password resets, cloud issues, or permissions errors
  • Helpful for regular updates, software installs, and proactive monitoring
  • Available from early morning through to after-hours, often at a lower hourly rate
  • Valuable for supporting remote or hybrid staff without needing to be onsite

But remote support has its limits. Some problems can’t be solved without someone physically on site. Here’s where it falls short:

  • Can’t fix physical infrastructure or tangled cabling
  • Difficult to troubleshoot when the device is offline or won’t boot
  • Harder to build trust and rapport without face-to-face interaction
  • Some providers use overseas helpdesks, making reliable support hard to guarantee

Remote support is efficient and scalable, but on its own, it often leaves gaps. The most effective setups combine remote support with scheduled onsite visits under a managed IT agreement.

You can learn more about how helpdesks work with our blog: In-House vs Outsourced IT Helpdesk: Choosing the Best Fit.

Key Differences Between Onsite and Remote IT Support

Here’s how onsite and remote support compare up across the factors that actually affect businesses.

Response Time and Access

  • Onsite: Engineers can attend in person, often the same day the problem occurs
  • Remote: Immediate access to a technician via phone or portal, but only for software-based issue

In both cases, response time matters, so you need to prioritise companies with fast turn-around.

Scope of Support

  • Onsite: Full coverage across hardware and software, from cabling to cloud
  • Remote: Ideal for routine tasks, monitoring, and cloud apps, but limited to what can be accessed online

A blended approach is the best way to make sure everything is covered.

Cost and Billing Model

  • Remote: Often charged by the minute or bundled into a service plan
  • Onsite: May seem more expensive per visit, but reduces costly delays and repeat issues

Look for plans that combine both remote and onsite, with detailed billing and no per-user pricing.

Customer Experience

  • Onsite: Builds relationships, allows technicians to learn your environment
  • Remote: Faster for basic issues, but harder to personalise support

The ideal setup depends on how your team works. While remote support can fix most issues quickly, problems with physical infrastructure still need someone onsite.

Which Support Model Fits Your Business?

Every business runs a little differently. The right support model depends on your systems, team size, and how much downtime your business can afford.

When Remote Support Might Be Enough

  • Your systems are mostly cloud-based
  • Your team is comfortable logging tickets and following remote instructions
  • Your needs are basic — account resets, software updates, occasional troubleshooting

Smaller teams, particularly those working across multiple sites or from home, can often survive with remote-only support. But problems will be exposed once something goes wrong onsite.

When Onsite IT Support Makes the Difference

  • You have office-based staff or on-premise servers
  • You’ve experienced delays with remote troubleshooting
  • You need help with physical setups, repairs, or urgent faults
  • You want to avoid reliance on rotating, anonymous helpdesk agents

When tech downtime starts costing billable hours, onsite IT support becomes a safeguard.

Hybrid Support = Flexibility with Coverage

Broadly speaking, hybrid models are the most effective. They get the speed of remote support backed by scheduled onsite visits for hands-on work. These models are much easier to create when outsourced.

Curious what outsourcing could look like for your business? Our Benefits of Outsourcing IT: A Guide for Brisbane Businesses blog covers the pros and cons for SMBs.

How to Choose a Reliable IT Support Partner

Finding the right provider requires trusting someone with the systems your business relies on every day. Here’s what to look for:

Local Presence

  • Are they actually based nearby, or just saying so on their website?
  • Will you see the same technician more than once?
  • Can they provide regular onsite support without delays?

You should always speak directly to the engineers, and if you need someone onsite, this option needs to be available.

Look for Practical Experience

  • Are they familiar with common business tools like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or Veeam?
  • Do they understand the tools, risks, and compliance needs in your industry?
  • Can they explain risks and options clearly without selling extra tools you don’t need?

Look for a partner with proven local experience. They should be able to respond quickly, understand your systems, and build long-term familiarity with your team.

Not Sure What You Need? Start Here

Some businesses get by with remote support. Others need someone who can show up, fix the issue, and keep things moving without delay. Most find the right answer lies in a mix that fits how they actually work day to day.

Deployus delivers practical IT support with a personal touch. We respond fast, show up when needed, and give you control over how and when you engage us. No inflated retainers, no automated phone systems.

Talk to our team about what makes sense for your setup. No pressure, just clear advice from people who know the job.

FAQs About Onsite and Remote IT Support

It’s when a technician comes to your business in person to troubleshoot, install, repair, or maintain your IT systems. This is essential for anything physical — like servers, routers, cabling, or office setups.

An IT provider connects to your systems over the internet to resolve software issues. They change settings and guide users through problems. It’s fast and convenient for everyday fixes.

Not in most cases. Remote support handles software, but not physical problems. When your internet is down or hardware fails, you need someone onsite.

At Deployus, we provide same-day onsite support across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Your call is answered by a real person in three rings.

It depends on your setup. Remote support is usually cheaper per session, but onsite fixes the issues that remote can’t. Our fee-for-service model means you only pay for what you use — no fixed monthly fees unless you want them.