Bare Metal Cloud is an infrastructure model where physical (bare metal) servers are combined with cloud-style orchestration, automation, and self-service, while preserving full hardware dedication and performance predictability.
In a properly implemented Bare Metal Cloud, cloud flexibility is achieved without sharing hardware, making it especially suitable as a foundation for Private Cloud infrastructure.
Why the Term Requires Clarification?
The term “Bare Metal Cloud” is widely misused in the industry.
In practice, there are two very different interpretations:
- Marketing interpretation
Fast-provisioned servers labeled as “cloud,” often with limited control and rigid configurations. - Engineering interpretation (relevant here)
Dedicated physical servers managed via cloud principles: automation, APIs, orchestration, and standardized lifecycle management.
This glossary entry refers only to the second, technically correct meaning.
What does Bare Metal Cloud mean in Practice?
Bare Metal Cloud is:
- Dedicated physical servers (no hypervisor sharing)
- Cloud-like management:
- Automated provisioning
- Centralized control plane
- API-driven operations
- Self-service workflows
- Predictable performance and pricing
- Designed for long-term operation, not disposable instances
It bridges the gap between traditional dedicated servers and virtualized cloud platforms.
Bare Metal Cloud vs Traditional Cloud
| Aspect | Bare Metal Cloud | Public Cloud |
| Hardware | Dedicated | Shared |
| Pricing | Fixed | Usage-based |
| Oversubscription | None | Common |
| Hardware control | Full | Limited |
| Latency | Consistent | Variable |
Bare Metal Cloud removes the performance and cost uncertainty typical of hyperscalers.
Bare Metal Cloud and Private Cloud
Bare Metal Cloud is the physical foundation of a Private Cloud.
In this model:
- Bare metal servers provide guaranteed resources
- Virtualization (e.g., OpenStack, KVM) runs on top of dedicated hardware
- Cloud features are delivered without sacrificing isolation
This approach is used by organizations that require:
- Strict performance guarantees
- Data isolation
- Custom network and storage architectures
Key Components of a Bare Metal Cloud
1. Dedicated Hardware Layer
- Enterprise-grade servers
- Redundant power and networking
- No resource sharing
2. Automation and Orchestration
- Automated provisioning and reinstallation
- API access
- Infrastructure-as-Code compatibility
3. Network Abstraction
- VLANs, VRFs, Anycast
- High-bandwidth interconnects
- Software-defined networking on physical links
4. Centralized Management
- Monitoring
- Access control
- Resource accounting
- Policy enforcement
Typical Use Cases
Bare Metal Cloud is ideal for:
- Private Cloud deployments
- Large SaaS platforms
- Media and streaming services
- Gaming infrastructure
- Financial and regulated environments
- Hybrid cloud architectures
It is especially valuable where cloud convenience is required, but cloud economics are unacceptable.
What Bare Metal Cloud Is Not?
❌ Not shared cloud instances
❌ Not server resale with a cloud label
❌ Not automatically elastic without planning
❌ Not cheaper than cloud for short-lived workloads
❌ Not maintenance-free
Bare Metal Cloud still requires engineering discipline and architectural thinking.
Business Value of Bare Metal Cloud
For clients:
- Cloud-like control with bare metal performance
- Predictable monthly costs
- Long-term stability
- Infrastructure ownership without operational burden
For us:
- A scalable way to deliver Private Cloud solutions
- Ability to design infrastructure instead of selling abstractions