This document provides a simple overview of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) using Softlayer as an example. It explains how virtualization allows for more efficient utilization of hardware resources by running multiple virtual machines on single physical servers. This reduces hardware needs and increases utilization rates. IaaS provides cloud computing infrastructure of servers, storage and networking on demand via the internet. Softlayer is a large provider of global IaaS data centers that customers can use for private, public or hybrid cloud deployments while bringing their own software licenses.