The Importance of Information Technology Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure

IT infrastructure refers to the combination of software and hardware devices, communication systems and data resources, facilities and any other related tools that can be used to develop, monitor, access, regulate and manage services concerning information technology at different levels of various companies. In organizations, IT infrastructure refers to the physical assets and products that exclude the employees, documentation or rather the process involved in managing the use of information technology services in an office. Primarily, information technology infrastructure can either be centralized inside the data center or decentralized outside data centers and be spread to other data centers that can be controlled by either the company or a third arm such as a cloud provider or collocation facility (Pearlson et al., 2016).

Hardware Component

The hardware part of information technology infrastructure is composed of the client, server machine or modern mainframes produced and integrated with IBM. The hardware component also includes the power building and cooling elements that significantly support the hardware’s data center (Albino et al., 2015). This system also encompasses the shortage subsystems, servers, networking tools such cabling wires, switches, routers as well network firewalls. Other components of hardware include the blade servers that are typically referred as ultrathin servers whose purpose is to enable dedicated application when fixed in the space racks.

Software Component

The software component of information technology infrastructure is equally crucial as the hardware for the two to complement each other. The software infrastructure is made up of the productive applications, an operating system for client machines, servers dominated by UNIX or LINUX, enterprise resource planning as well customer’s relationship maintenance. Depending on the needs and complexity of an organization, the software application can be bought off the shelves or be developed by the organization. IT infrastructure software is the operating systems that manage the activities of a computer and connection to other user interfaces.

Communication Platforms

As stated by Pearlson et al. (2016), communication platforms include the networking tools such as the Windows operating systems, Novel, local area network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Linux. The internet plays a key role in ensuring communication is maintained and achieved in an organization. Internet helps in the transmission of data and media. For example, in the line of sites, media is transferred via satellites, microwave, fiber optic cables, aggregators, routers and antennas that control the transmission paths with the help of the internet. The internet infrastructure is built and integrated with the internet service providers (ISPS). When an organization settles on the ISP for internet usage, the ISP connects to the infrastructure data center to enable a dedicated and secured internet space for good communication and networking.

Data Resource Infrastructure

The data resource infrastructure is a component that addresses all the data available to an organization in automated and non-automated form. It takes care of data control and management whereby, data is handled by software known as database manager with the aim of processing data into information and storing that information for future references (Albino et al., 2015). Data storage process includes using the older devices such as tape libraries and disk arrays as well as using the newer technologically reliable methods which are known as storage area networks(SANs). SANs are highly preferable over the traditional methods because they connect with some dedicated storage devices with a relatively high speed.

People

People are not classified as part of information technology infrastructure, but they are critical elements in the field of IT because they are in charge of all the activities taking place. The professionals involved in the manufacturing of information technology devices, system administrators, network managers and software experts take a look at the need of an organization, thus determining the type of hardware or software that suites the gap. People determine what the organization will buy and install in their business for success and what not to invest in.IT infrastructure components depend on the other, but what is most important is that the components cannot run themselves. Therefore, the presence of professionals is significant to make goals easily attainable.

IT Infrastructure and Skype for Business

A well-coordinated information technology infrastructure has been a crucial tool for Skype for business since people can use this platform for communication and coordination in different ways. Skype for business uses excellent features such as instant message (IM) feature to connect with other real-time workers to conduct business discussion (Harindranath et al.,2015). Unlike waiting for email replies, IM is a real deal in the commercial world, and thus promoting business across the globe. Through reliable IT infrastructure, IM grants a maximum security for the users; therefore, maintaining privacy among the enterprises is no longer a worry. Similarly, improved information technology enhances networking evidenced by Skype videoing. Skype videoing solves the rigidity of physical business meeting that requires travel because it is a one on one session via a screen. A Skype video capability enables people to share business ideas. It also enhances interaction, thus minimizing the risks of missing out social cues during a physical conversation. Additionally, through information technology infrastructure, Skype for business has been secure since the component of a meeting has been availed through web conferences (Harindranath et al.,2015). Business partners can have impromptu meetings via their desktops at the comfort of their homes or offices; thus, enhancing collaboration.

References

Albino, V., Berardi, U., & Dangelico, R. M. (2015). Smart cities: Definitions, dimensions, performance, and initiatives. Journal of Urban Technology, 22(1), 3-21.

Harindranath, G., Bernroider, E., & Kamel, S. (2015, May). Social Media and Social Transformation Movements: The Role of Affordances and Platforms. In ECIS.

Pearlson, K. E., Saunders, C. S., & Galletta, D. F. (2016). Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley & Sons.