Information systems (IS) integration is vital to the operation of modern organizations. The information technology (IT) infrastructure that supports IS forms the foundation of most contemporary enterprises. It secures data, streamlines communication, and improves business processes.
The term refers to nearly all elements, including hardware devices and software components, networking, and data storage, that are integrated to help manage normal business operations. Understanding the core elements of traditional infrastructure and its importance is essential for businesses striving to stay competitive and secure in an increasingly technology-driven world.
What is IT infrastructure?
IT infrastructure refers to a set of IT system resources that users share. It is a foundation for communication across the organization and the implementation of present and future business applications. Although there are many infrastructure types, traditional IT infrastructure is composed of two broadly defined structures: technical and human resources.
Technical infrastructure includes hardware, software, networks, telecommunications, applications, and other IT resources. The human aspect focuses on the knowledge and skills required for effective infrastructure management. Various specialists, such as technical writers, are needed to support the system.
Choosing an IT infrastructure presents a challenge due to balancing cost-effectiveness with flexibility. For business success, the system must support growth and competitiveness. However, the dynamic nature of the technical components requires an adaptable management approach. [1]
Defining the elements
According to academic papers, there are several major infrastructure components. These elements include hardware, software, data management, networking, internet platforms, and system integration services.
Each plays a crucial role in supporting business functions and enabling important features. In the following sections, we will break down these components in more detail.
Computer hardware platforms
Hardware refers to the physical layer of IT infrastructure. It includes client devices like laptops and desktop computers and powerful servers that store and process data. Networking equipment such as routers and switches is also a hardware part that keeps data moving securely.
Storage solutions, whether traditional hard drives or solid-state drives, ensure businesses can access their data efficiently. Hardware needs to be regularly updated, and outdated components need to be replaced before they become a liability.
Operating system (OS) platform
The operating system acts as a bridge between hardware and software to ensure smooth functionality. Workstations typically run Windows, macOS, or Linux, while businesses rely on server operating systems like Windows Server, Ubuntu Server, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Virtualization platforms such as VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V allow multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. Keeping operating systems updated is crucial to prevent security vulnerabilities and system failures.
Enterprise software platforms (ESP)
Enterprise software automates processes and enhances efficiency. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like SAP and Oracle integrate departments, while customer relationship management (CRM) platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot help manage customer relationships.
Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal enable businesses to create and manage digital content effortlessly. They support website management, SEO, and integration of e-commerce and marketing tools. A well-implemented CMS keeps content organized and accessible. The right software enhances productivity and decision-making.
Internet platforms
Internet connectivity is essential for hosting websites, running cloud applications, and managing e-commerce. Web servers like Apache and Nginx allow businesses to provide online services. Cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer scalable infrastructure to support growing business needs.
E-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce help businesses set up and manage online stores. Reliable internet connectivity allows companies to expand their reach and adapt to changing market conditions.
Consulting and system integration services
IT management can be handled through both internal and external systems. However, this task can be complex, which is why many businesses rely on consulting and integration services. IT consultants help companies plan and optimize their technology strategies, while cybersecurity firms strengthen defenses against cyber threats.
System integration specialists ensure that software solutions – such as ERP, CRM, and cloud applications – work seamlessly together. Reliable IT support ensures systems run smoothly 24/7, minimizing downtime and preventing costly disruptions. [2]
Network architecture
Network architecture is the science of designing and building networks. It establishes the principles of operation and technical design. Network enablement affects the system’s performance, security, and flexibility. Different types of network infrastructure require different network setups. For example, businesses that need fast connections are best served by low-latency networks.
A local area network (LAN) connects devices within a small area, such as a building or office. Users on a LAN can access shared resources. This type of network can also be wireless, known as a WLAN, and can operate using Wi-Fi.
A wide area network (WAN) covers a larger geographic area and connects devices across cities, countries, or even continents. An enterprise private network (EPN) offers dedicated network resources built for a specific business, reducing the risk of data breaches. [2, 3]
Storage solutions
Storage can be a complex challenge for information systems that handle large amounts of data. Two technologies that provide unified, large-scale storage are RAID and SAN.
A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) combines multiple physical disks into a single unit. It protects against data loss by storing duplicate copies of data across multiple disks. RAID also improves read and write speeds by distributing operations across these disks. RAID systems are expandable, allowing for the addition of more disks.
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a high-speed network that connects storage devices to servers. SANs are low-latency networks that enable fast data transfers. They are also scalable, allowing organizations to add devices and servers without disruptions. SANs provide efficient backup, recovery, and data replication, making them ideal for data storage in information systems. [2]
Security measures
A 2024 study found that 83% of businesses are at risk of data breaches. The most effective way to protect your business is by building a secure IT infrastructure, reducing the chances of cyber threats and data leaks.
There are four levels of security management:
- Data: More data often means more security risks. Cybersecurity tools for data protection include antivirus software and URL filtering, which restricts the websites and content employees can access. Additional security measures include data encryption, backups, and anonymization techniques.
- Application: This level focuses on preventing unauthorized access and defending against harmful activities. A key strategy is keeping security software up-to-date.
- Network: The primary defense at this level is a firewall. Security is strengthened when all data entering, moving across, and leaving the network is secured, including traffic encryption. Multi-factor authentication is also an essential policy.
- Physical: While not a part of cybersecurity, physical security should not be overlooked. This includes measures like backup generators, security cameras, and security personnel.
Security measures should be integrated into every aspect of the infrastructure – from users’ devices to cloud resources. [4]
Virtualization technology
Virtualization technology is a process that allows one physical machine (server or computer) to host multiple virtual machines (VMs) or environments. Each of them runs its own operating systems and applications as if they were independent machines.
Also, they work isolated from the other VMs on the same physical server. This allows users to perform various actions without leaving traces on the host machine.
IT environments are collective systems of hardware, software applications, networks, and processes, i.e. everything within the IT ecosystem. Virtual machine monitor (or hypervisor) is the managing software between VMs and physical hardware. The hypervisor can run either directly on physical hardware or on a host operating system.
Virtualization provides the same physical resources to different VMs. As the different virtual machines are isolated from one another, if one of them defects, this does not affect the others. Virtualization technology has features such as snapshots (back-upping a VM) and live migration (moving a VM between physical hosts). [5]
Cloud computing
Cloud computing delivers computing services over the internet, often referred to as the “cloud”. This means the data is stored in the cloud, and software is accessible remotely via the internet.
Cloud environments offer significant flexibility and scalability. In addition to broad network access, computing resources serve multiple users through a multi-tenant model, enabling reliable on-demand self-service.
Cloud infrastructure has different deployment models. A public cloud offers infrastructure services to the general public. On the other hand, a private cloud is dedicated to a specific organization, providing greater control over the environment. Finally, a hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, allowing data sharing between them.
Cloud computing is used not only for data storage and backup but also for application development and testing. The technology can host big data analytics and process and analyze datasets in real-time. [6]
Data center management
Data center management is a crucial aspect of IT infrastructure maintenance. It is typically overseen by a data center manager, either physically or remotely. This role ensures all components work seamlessly to support an organization’s IT needs.
Data centers house critical applications and data. They contain hardware and storage and ensure power supply and efficient cooling. Data centers can be physical or cloud-based.
The data center manager’s responsibilities include hardware management, performance monitoring, and capacity planning. A top priority is securing data from both physical and cyber threats and managing backup and disaster recovery. Additionally, virtualization and cloud management are key aspects of the role. [7]
Scalability and flexibility
As mentioned before, the development and management of an IT infrastructure benefit from the systems’ abilities, such as scalability and flexibility. Scalability means better cost-efficiency, as the business pays only for the resources it uses. It is a competitive advantage that helps organizations optimize their work.
Scalability can be achieved through the following:
- Services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud allow businesses to scale cloud storage, computing power, and applications on demand.
- Load balancers that distribute traffic efficiently to prevent server overload.
- Containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) allows applications to run consistently across different environments and scale horizontally, etc.
Flexibility means that organizations can adapt to changes and adopt new strategies without significant disruptions.
Flexibility is achieved by:
- Usage of hybrid cloud solutions that combine on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services.
- Implementing microservices infrastructure architecture allows businesses to update and deploy specific services without affecting the entire system.
- Integration of APIs that connect various software solutions, making it easier to adopt new technologies.
- Software-defined networking (SDN) is utilized for dynamic and automated network adjustments based on changing requirements and many others.
Cloud computing is an excellent example of both scalability and flexibility. This means that it is suitable for the growing demands of changing business environments. [8]
Best practices for maintenance
Best practices for managing IT infrastructure involve both proactive and reactive strategies. Securing your infrastructure with appropriate measures is essential. This includes the recommendations outlined above, along with continuous vigilance and awareness of emerging threats.
IT infrastructures should be overseen by qualified IT professionals who provide strategic guidance and planning. Their role is vital for the accurate maintenance of the system. A dedicated IT team should perform regular system audits and ensure compliance with industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
Continuous monitoring is crucial to track data. Automated monitoring tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, or SolarWinds can help detect anomalies and prevent failures before they escalate.
Disaster recovery planning is just as critical as security. While emergencies may not occur often, being prepared is vital. A strong disaster recovery plan should include regular data backups using cloud solutions like AWS Backup or Veeam. Organizations should also conduct failover testing to ensure systems can quickly switch to backup infrastructure during outages.
Maintaining IT infrastructure is complex and requires precise execution to ensure efficiency, security, and system longevity. This includes hardware maintenance, ensuring network redundancy, and adopting virtualization technologies like VMware or Hyper-V to optimize resource utilization. Regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices is also crucial for maintaining the integrity of IT infrastructure.
These are just a few best practices for IT infrastructure maintenance. Our top recommendation is to find a provider that suits your needs and can develop and maintain your systems effectively. [9]
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Tips for optimization
Here is a summary of this article with several tips for business solutions for your information technology infrastructure optimization:
- Implement virtualization – it reduces hardware costs, simplifies management, and is based on the real-time needs of the company;
- Use cloud resources – hybrid cloud resources are a reliable way to combine physical and internet services to achieve optimal performance and flexibility;
- Optimize network performance – choose how to efficiently distribute the traffic across multiple servers and networking components;
- Optimize storage – use RAID configurations, compress and deduplicate data;
- Enhance security – implement network access control policies and perform vulnerability assessments for better infrastructure security;
- Centralize monitoring and management – use special software solutions for monitoring and plan capacity needs in advance.
These tips will help your business to achieve sustainable growth and streamline operations. Scalable and flexible IT infrastructure that meets the business needs will ensure managing modern workloads easily.
It will optimize the work process and help keep up with the latest technologies. Implementing tools such as cloud computing and virtualization technology provides compliance with modern technology and a bright future for your business. IT infrastructure as a service is the backbone of the company, choose your partner in this field wisely!
Sources
[1] Managing information technology infrastructure: a new flexibility framework
[2] Choosing Components of Information Technology Infrastructure for Business Information Systems
[3] 11 Types of Computer Networks Explained: LAN, VPN and More
[4] What is IT Infrastructure Security, and How Does It Protect Your Business
[7] What is data center management
[8] The Importance Of Having A Scalable & Flexible IT Infrastructure
