What is information technology (IT) infrastructure?

IT infrastructure can be defined as combination of hardware, network, software and servers in order to deliver, test, control and support IT services. IT infrastructure plays a supporting role in the business and is key for IT strategy. IT infrastructure does not include people, processes and documentation.

Types of IT infrastructure (Hardware)

There are many types of IT infrastructure; this ranges from a standard user desktop to a complex server. The following are types of hardware that a typical Toronto based business may have.

User desktop:

A desktop can be defined as a computer that is used for a single location for a regular use. A user desktop is an integral piece of day to day functionality for a user. It allows the user to access servers, create reports and be a productive member of the business. User desktops are the most common piece of hardware in a business for users.

Servers:

There are many different types of servers in terms of IT infrastructure. A server can be defined as a computer dedicated to running a service or services for the needs of other computers on a network. There are different types of servers such as an FTP server which allows for the transfer files between other servers or between a desktop and server. Database servers which provides database access and services to other computers or programs. There are also web servers which deliver content to a browser by loading a file from the server. Types of popular web servers are IIS and Apache.

Routers:

A router is a device that is used and telecommunications that forwards packets of data along a network or networks. These networks can be defined as LANs (local area networks) or WANs (wide area networks). There are many different types of routers and they come in different shapes and sizes; these range from home and small office, core routers and enterprise routers. Routers typically have a user interface in order to configure them.

Small and of home office routers are typically built for small access and have limited features inside of them. Distribution routers aggregate data and traffic from multiple sources to a single source. Distribution routers check for quality of service and are typically much more expensive and speedier than small and home office routers. Routers can also provide security for a network; using a firewall, VP and or access control lists allows for network administrators to securely and safely administer the network.

Software

Software has many uses for business whether it's from managing customer relationships with a CRM, managing enterprise wide functional units such as accounting or finance with an ERP. Types of software for IT infrastructure include the following:

CRM

CRM or customer relationship management software is used for managing a business is interactions with customers. It is also used for sales, customer service and marketing in order to attract, maintain and manage new customers and persuade old customers to return a business.

ERP

ERP is a cross business integration of functional units which can be beneficial to the organization. ERP systems allow for the centralization the data which insures the integrity among functional units. Also allows for streamlining of processes which allows for a decrease in complexity in current processes, a decrease in costs, customization and real time awareness of inventory levels. Real time functionality allows for the business to view and monitor inventory levels and act accordingly. The benefit of this is it allows for the forecasts of sales which it leads to a leaner supply chain.

Virtualization software

Virtualization software allows for the creation of a virtual system instead of the physical one. Virtualization allows for the saving IT costs such as new servers, new desktops and storage. It can least considered part of the green IT initiative and can be used with cloud computing to further savings. There are many different types of virtualization such as full virtualization which virtualizes the hardware, and software and typically can be connected to remotely. Partial virtualization only simulates some portions of the environments such as software or hardware depending on the environment and paravirtualization which is a simulation of software and hardware not simulated.

IT infrastructure has many benefits to Canadian businesses. It allows for a business to sustain a competitive advantage and support business strategy. Even though IT infrastructure does not include the people and processes behind them; it is important to remember that IT staff allow for the day to day functionality of IT infrastructure and its benefits.