IT Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure and the Components that Make It Effective

An IT Infrastructure includes a system for backing up data information, as well as a plan for recovery of data in the event of a disaster. 

Cloud-based backup is one of the best ways for your company to ensure a copy of its data is secure. This is useful, as onsite data storage can become compromised, lost, or damaged in numerous ways. These include hacking, malware, or other technological errors that can result in your important data being lost or damaged.

Disaster recovery is another essential component of IT infrastructure, as data should be easily recovered even in the event of physical or natural disaster that results in the destruction of onsite resources. 

Having your data securely backed up is essential for a well-functioning IT infrastructure. 

Networking

Network infrastructure is responsible for making network or internet connectivity possible. This should always be encompassed within an IT infrastructure, as networking is how your business’s operations and communications can be effectively virtually managed. 

Network infrastructure is considered to be a subset of IT infrastructure and is one of the foundational components that makes the IT infrastructure able to function correctly. 

A strong and secure network design is ultimately what enables all the other components to work successfully. 

Servers & Storage

Network servers are the primary location for storing resources and should be built into an IT infrastructure to be as secure as possible. They allow for multiple authorized users to access said resources.

There are several types of servers that should be included within your network server. The main three are:

• A file server – a central location for files, information, and data to be stored
• A directory server – a central database of all user profiles and accounts
• A web server – to provide users with files by means of a web browser

A strong IT infrastructure must have a dynamic server and storage system in order to effectively store data and other information needed by users of the system.

Virtualization

Virtualization within the IT Infrastructure refers to the transformation of resources into virtual, software based versions, such as virtual applications, servers, or networks.

Virtualization is the one of the primary components that cuts costs of IT infrastructure. By using software to simulate hardware, virtualization can effectively downsize how many servers are needed for the infrastructure to properly function.

The software used is known as virtual machines, or VMs, and contains within it an independent operating system and application. Multiple VMs can be installed on one host computer, thus allowing several operating systems and applications to run on a singular server.

Wireless

With the world increasingly embracing remote work, having a wireless IT Infrastructure is of the utmost importance. A wireless network means that users can access it from multiple locations without having to be directly and physically connected. 

A wireless computer network is essential for an IT Infrastructure with multiple users, as it allows for many devices to be linked to the same network. This is known as the Wireless Local Area Network, or WLAN. 

IT Infrastructure as a Service

When building an IT infrastructure, you must consider all of the components discussed above. Each play a critical role within the infrastructure and the resulting levels of efficiency and security. 

For small businesses especially, this can accrue many overhead costs that are simply not cost effective or affordable.

This is where Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) comes in. IaaS is a cloud-based service operated and managed by a third-party cloud provider that eliminates the overhead costs and time-consuming maintenance and operation of an IT Infrastructure.

By utilizing an IaaS, your company can instead focus on the core aspects of the business, while enjoying the flexibility of IaaS that can be adjusted to your specific needs as they fluctuate with a changing market demand.