Imagine managing complex IT infrastructure manually. You would quickly find yourself in an endless loop of troubleshooting and process inefficiencies. Organizations relying on managing IT infrastructure manually are at a high risk of IT asset loss, mismanagement, and security threats. This is why organizations need a strong IT management system to mitigate IT asset management challenges, monitor software usage, retire outdated hardware, and keep data safe from cyber threats.
Having a robust IT infrastructure is crucial for not just identifying issues, but also providing real-time insights on automating IT asset management. This blog will delve into the details of IT infrastructure, its significance, examples, and methods for managing and monitoring it to enhance performance.
What is IT infrastructure?
IT infrastructure is a combination of components, such as hardware, software, networks, and services, required to manage the company’s IT resources. It is flexible, scalable, and reliable to meet organizational goals. With its help, companies can build and run applications. It can be properly networked to optimize communication and increase productivity levels.
The modern cloud infrastructure makes data and applications available to users without demographic restrictions. It can consist of on-premise data centers and edge computing, all connected by organized networks.
Why IT infrastructure is important for organizations?
The IT infrastructure provides technical support for organizations to run operations efficiently. Organizations can adapt better according to market changes and be ahead of their competitors by rapidly deploying new services and scaling markets to meet customers’ fluctuating demands.
Real-time data tracking and monitoring is made possible with IT infrastructure monitoring. Traditional IT infrastructure struggles more to keep pace with the inefficiencies, but the cloud-based IT infrastructure empowers businesses with advanced applications. As a business, you can work with IaaS providers to access virtualization resources such as networks and servers to access virtualized computing resources.
When technology works better, it affects business operations management and customer experience. The more companies switch to cloud-based services, the slower traditional IT services become. Therefore, cloud technologies are catalysts they need to support cutting-edge applications, from AI to machine learning, and you will not face connectivity, networking, productivity, or security issues.
Components of IT infrastructure
Suppose an IT system crashes and there is an operational halt at the office. Upon audit, there was an unexpected server breakdown that caused interruptions in productivity. This is why, having robust IT infrastructure components is necessary to support workflows. Let’s understand each component and how they play an important role in the organization:
Hardware
Hardware assets are the physical devices like computers, laptops, printers, etc. It also includes:
- Servers for network storage and application processing
- Storage devices such as hard drives
- Networking equipment such as routers, cables, switches
These assets provide the physical infrastructure necessary to support or run other applications. For example, a laptop or desktop computer is the first procurement before an operating system can be installed for the users.
It is necessary to procure the right hardware assets but it is also equally important to ensure hardware lifecycle processes are followed to ensure these assets are in optimal condition to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Software
Software assets are another integral part of the IT infrastructure. These are the applications and programs a business relies on with the help of the internet. These include:
- Operating systems are the root of hardware operations
- Databases such as organizing and storing large volumes of data
- Middleware is the bridge to communicate and exchange data between software apps
Different software applications play different roles in the organization. For example, IT asset management solution helps organizations track, manage, and analyze IT assets effectively.
Since these assets are business-critical, IT teams must ensure they regularly update software applications to the latest versions and comply with licensing requirements.
Networking
Networks are like highways, allowing rapid information exchange between connecting devices and applications for smoother communications.
- LANS and WANS are connected with switches and routers to communicate
- Resource sharing is possible with multiple networking devices like modems and routers
They are integral in secure data communication within the organization. Most organizations use an intranet – a secure and private network that keeps data confidential and accessible to employees only.
Data centers
Consider data centers like warehouses. They facilitate house services, storage systems, and networking equipment. Because these are physical facilities, you can ensure the availability of the company’s IT assets for optimizing operations.
For example, a pharmaceutical company can easily store research and clinical trials data in data centers to quickly access the required information when needed.
IT teams continuously update data backup and storage systems to keep company information protected from unauthorized access.
Cloud services
Cloud services are similar to mediums. Instead of storing all data on physical servers, businesses can secure sensitive data on software that runs smoothly and is connected to a private network. Not only cloud services are flexible, but they can function from anywhere.
Common examples of cloud services include:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Types of IT infrastructure
There are three common types of IT infrastructure:
- Traditional IT infrastructure
These are traditional, on-premises infrastructures that host all hardware and software in a physical space. You have maximum control over the IT assets and can easily access them. Organizations mostly opt for traditional IT infrastructure to secure data, follow strict regulatory compliance, and avoid cybersecurity threats.
- Cloud IT infrastructure
Cloud IT infrastructure, also known as public cloud, relies on third-party providers to host IT assets remotely. It’s a more flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses. Users can access the cloud infrastructure via the Internet and do not need to install it on-premises. The service provider connects the servers at any given location.
- Hybrid IT infrastructure
A hybrid IT infrastructure is a combination of traditional and cloud infrastructure. It allows companies to benefit from the cloud’s security and scalability to keep sensitive data safe. Companies can host a few applications on the cloud while keeping others on-premises.
IT Infrastructure examples
Understanding IT infrastructure examples can help you to manage and monitor your IT assets efficiently. Let’s take a look:
- Networking
These are the hardware and software systems used to support communication and connectivity for users and to maintain processes. Some common networking infrastructures include operating systems, firewalls, routers, network operations and management, wireless protocols, satellites, and IP addresses.
- Computing
This combination of hardware and software devices enables end-user computers, operating systems, and databases to function smoothly. These include computer essentials like mouse and keyboard, cables, networks, and disk storage devices.
- Operating systems
Operating systems are the software that enables users to access their computer systems. They can also control and manage software and hardware resources, and application memory is also managed properly within the computer system. Examples include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Apple iOS, Android, and Solaris.
- Telecommunications
Long-distance information is transferred via electromagnetic technology. This technology combines networks and communication services, allowing easy and smooth connections, such as telephone wires, cables, and 5G mobile networks.
- Databases
These are the software and hardware used to collect, store, and organize the data. Many computer services need data to function and analyze it to make informed decisions. Examples include Microsoft Access, MySQL, FileMaker Pro, and Oracle Database.
- IT services
These services revolve around the customer’s support for managing complexities for maintenance, security, and resilience. IT services make it easier for companies to easily and cost-effectively employee their processes. Some of the examples include applications, data visualization, end-user devices, knowledge management, APIs, information security, etc.
- Platforms
Platforms like hardware architecture and software frameworks help users execute processes and applications, allowing applications to run smoothly. Some common examples are SAP Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Platform, Salesforce Lightening, etc.
- IoT (Internet of Things)
These are products that can connect and communicate with other systems via the Internet. Extensive data details are collected and shared with other devices across different sectors and industries. Some examples are connected appliances, smart factory equipment, home automation, etc.
How do infrastructure monitoring work
The process of tracking, analyzing, and managing the performance of a company’s tech stack is known as infrastructure monitoring. Every component, from memory chips to operating systems, plays a crucial role for end-users. Monitoring the components is easy and necessary with a reliable IT asset management system. By monitoring infrastructure, you can enhance productivity and decrease application downtime.
When monitoring the IT infrastructure, you must collect data from the on-premises and cloud services to analyze the system’s performance and health. There are two methods for infrastructure monitoring:
Agent-based monitoring
It is lightweight software installed by engineers on a system or device that monitors data. The process of installing agents on hosts is known as instrumentation. Modern infrastructure monitoring systems use sensors to keep track of components after configuration.
Once the components are instrumented, they reflect the infrastructure status, for example, CPU or memory utilization. If you want proactive monitoring of IT assets, agent-based monitoring will help identify issues. For instance, a CPU system can heat up due to overload, and agent-based monitoring will alert the team to address the issue before it impacts the user experience.
Agentless monitoring
In this method, you do not need a separate software agent installed on the host. Built-in protocols, such as Windows Management Instrumentation, collect and deliver the data. Agentless monitoring is also useful for legacy systems and specialized hardware such as routers, switches, or load balancers.
No additional resource is required, so the system’s performance remains intact. However, the data collected may be limited in comparison to agent-based monitoring.
What is IT infrastructure management?
Organizations are interested in keeping all IT infrastructure systems, services, and components working to the maximum capacity. However, a lot is going on between these components and services. If one component is out of order, it will impact the performance of the other IT assets (just like a domino effect). Therefore, IT infrastructure management is a handy solution. The aim is to maintain productivity and reduce the downtime to a bare minimum in case of any emergency.
There are three types of infrastructure management methods :
- Systems management – involves update installation, system performance monitoring, and managing the accounts
- Network management – involves configuring network devices, monitoring traffic, and troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Storage management – involves backup and recovery tasks, capacity planning, and storage performance
Best practices for IT infrastructure management
An effective IT infrastructure management oversees and maintains the components such as hardware and software. All of this is made possible by implementing best practices for the infrastructure management:
Assessing current infrastructure
Is your hardware nearing the end of its useful life? If so, the first step is to evaluate the current infrastructure. This includes network performance analysis, asset lifecycle, software capability, and system efficiency. You need to thoroughly assess the weak points within the current infrastructure and pinpoint the redundancies that need improvements.
Implementing new solutions
After identifying the gaps and inefficiencies, new solutions need to be implemented. These can include upgrading systems, adopting new cloud services, or integrating different types of asset management software tools for better performance. You can also leverage virtualization, hybrid cloud models, and AI-driven management tools for minimal disruptions in daily business activities.
Using automation tools
One may wonder why automate the processes for IT management, but it’s a key to reduce manual work and eliminate errors. Provisions, patch management, and network monitoring can all be easily automated, saving time and resources to focus on more important issues that require their attention.
Continuous IT infrastructure monitoring
Implementing IT infrastructure management alone is not enough—you need to monitor the system continuously. This will allow you to reduce any escalating issues, track system performance, manage the network, and detect potential cyber threats. IT monitoring tools are super helpful for streamlining data flow and ensuring a safety net for the infrastructure.
Manage IT infrastructure with reliable IT asset management software
The best way to transform your business operations is to manage your IT infrastructure better.
Nowadays, every organization is faced with the complexities of IT infrastructure. They struggle to keep up with monitoring inventories and need a reliable solution.
Reliable IT asset management software tracks every component of the infrastructure with just a few clicks to automate processes, monitor performance, and ensure the IT environment runs smoothly.
It’s about time you utilize the full potential of your software, assets, IT services, network discovery, and more to drive efficiency across the organization.
