Infrastructure as code – Innofactor has taken it a step farther

This blog gives you a simple explanation of what infrastructure as code is, as well as how Innofactor can offer a solution that gives you even greater benefits.

Infrastructure as code lets us create ready-made "building blocks. You select the building blocks and assemble them into the infrastructure you want to implement. Each building block has some properties that are pre-defined.

What is the alternative to using infrastructure as code?

The alternative is that you have to build everything from scratch. You have to make each building block and define how it should behave, instead of choosing from the finished blocks.

Innofactor, however, does not only offer building blocks – but assembles them into finished infrastructure. Innofactor has developed a unique solution that sets up a secure and proven data center platform in Azure. This platform becomes a foundation for all services you want to run in Azure.

Benefits of infrastructure as code

There are several benefits to using infrastructure as code.

• When you have defined your infrastructure as code, you can base all your environment on the same code base, such as test and production environment.
• You can use a version control system, which will provide a full change log, with reversal option, something you do not have in traditional infrastructure.
• You reduce the possibility of human error.
• You take advantage of the benefits of the cloud, such as fast scaling.
• It's easy to build up infrastructure when you need more.
• You can send infrastructure as code to the other side of the world in an instant, where they can roll out just the infrastructure you want. This is because you do not send the infrastructure itself, but a code that contains all the rules for how the infrastructure should be and behave.

In addition to this, there are many benefits with regard to testing.

When you have defined your infrastructure as code, you can base all your environment on the same code base such as test and production environment. This means that you can be more confident about the same result in all environments.

Prerequisites for success

With infrastructure as a code, it is easier to maintain and implement new solutions. But to succeed it is required that you have done a thorough job with the code.

It requires you to do a solid job the first time, and then keep updating the code when you want to make changes to the infrastructure.

The reason everyone doesn't use infrastructure as code is that it requires some expertise. You have to have knowledge and experience, and it takes time to build good code.

Innofactor has taken infrastructure as code a step farther.

Based on our long experience and expertise, we have assembled the "building blocks" for finished infrastructure. To use a house metaphor, one could say that Microsoft delivers the materials, but we have put them together for prefab houses. 

Best way to the cloud

The advantage is that it is easier to outline how the infrastructure should look to the customer at an early stage, the implementation is faster, the quality is improved, the security is very well taken care of all the way and you can give the customer precise figures in terms of time and costs.

An important things to do when starting an organization's own cloud journey is to ask smart questions. This creates a solid foundation for the journey ahead. Innofactor has great knowledge regarding this after assisting and guiding many customers on this journey.

Here are some important questions that should be answered before your journey is complete.

Unique experience

Why is this unique to Innofactor?

Prior to Azure, companies typically worked with other types of data center solutions. At Innofactor, we have gathered all of our experience and knowledge of what works for our customers. We have taken the best of data centers, combined with services and features in Azure, and developed Innofactor Virtual Data Center based on that.

Innofactor has a competence and experience base in Azure infrastructure that is unique in Nordics. The development of this solution is a result of all the expertise and experience put into the system.

To learn more about Virtual Data Center and how it facilitates the deployment of cloud services, I recommend you to watch our on-demand webinar "Innofactor Virtual Data Center - revolutionizing the deployment of cloud services".

In the webinar, Innofactor Principal Consultant and MVP Aidan Finn gives insights on a easier, faster and safer way to move to the cloud.