Understanding the HashiCorp Model
The Infrastructure Cloud refers to the operational model in which cloud infrastructure—compute, networking, storage, and services—is automated, abstracted, and governed through APIs, code, and policy rather than through manual provisioning or static environments.
HashiCorp defines and supports the Infrastructure Cloud as a modular, composable stack where infrastructure is no longer tied to hardware or single providers, but managed dynamically using automation, identity, and workflows.
Key Principles of the Infrastructure Cloud (via HashiCorp)
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Provisioning with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
Infrastructure is defined declaratively, versioned like application code, and provisioned across any cloud provider or on-premise environment. Terraform makes infrastructure disposable, repeatable, and scalable.
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Security with Identity-Based Access (Vault, Boundary)
Security moves from IP addresses and firewalls to dynamic identities, encryption, and just-in-time credentials. HashiCorp Vault manages secrets and policies, while Boundary provides secure remote access without traditional VPNs.
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Networking with Dynamic Service Discovery (Consul)
Static IP-based networks are replaced with service-oriented networking, where services find and communicate with each other dynamically using Consul for discovery, service mesh, and zero trust enforcement.
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Application Workloads with Orchestration (Nomad)
Applications run on dynamic infrastructure via orchestrators like Nomad, which schedules jobs across multi-region, multi-cloud environments—supporting containers, VMs, and binaries side by side.
Why It Matters
The Infrastructure Cloud removes the rigidity of traditional IT operations. It enables:
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Consistency across cloud providers and on-prem environments
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Operational velocity with repeatable, automated infrastructure changes
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Built-in security without relying on perimeter defenses
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Scale without re-architecting, thanks to modular, API-first tools
With the HashiCorp stack, organizations don’t just use the cloud—they architect infrastructure as a service layer that adapts to change, enforces policy, and reduces manual overhead.