May 16, 2013
Setting up an IT infrastructure may seem like an overwhelming process. After all, it encompasses anything and everything related to the flow and processing of information within a company. However, with a reliable, high quality IT infrastructure, your company can reduce your IT costs while at the same time increasing your efficiency.
The Components of an IT Infrastructure
Since an IT infrastructure is responsible for creating, operating and managing the entire IT environment of a company, there are many various elements to the system. The primary elements of an IT infrastructure include:
All of these components work together to deliver company-wide solutions that can be utilized by employees, partners, or customers as necessary. A successful IT infrastructure provides the foundation for the programs or projects launched by the company.
Hardware System
The hardware is the physical component of an IT infrastructure that is employed to connect computers and users throughout the organization. This can mean everything from computers and phones to transmission media items such as telephone lines, satellites, aggregators, and routers.
The system refers to the connection made between employees through the network and the internet. An IT infrastructure usually also includes a system for building firewalls and creating security devices within a network.
Software
Software is responsible for allowing users to send, receive, and manage all signals related to the IT infrastructure. A good IT infrastructure will include the development of appropriate software for an organization as well as maintenance of all software products.
Services
In addition to the provision of hardware, a system, and software, a comprehensive IT infrastructure must include IT services. These services will range from assisting in software set-up and hardware installation to the availability of a help desk and computer administration.
All of these elements work together to build a complete IT infrastructure. They are usually internal to the company, so that the tools can be tailored to the requirements of the organization, whether the focus needs to be on internal business operations or customer support.
A Recent Trend
Although we have now covered the basics of IT infrastructure, there are some recent trends that lend an interesting twist to IT infrastructure strategies. One of these trends is for companies to use off-site infrastructure in order to reduce costs. This development allows companies to scale their infrastructure to meet their changing needs. Are you new to the managed IT services game? Or maybe ready to take a harder look are your current setup? Give us a call — we’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading,
Rob Connary, President - COO
