In most cases, the IT infrastructure of a company refers to all the hardware, software, network communications and support facilities that are the basis for IT service, ensure the operation of information systems and support the business processes of that company. The components of the IT infrastructure are all the information technology involved, but not the associated documentation and support staff.
Basic components of the IT infrastructure are:
- Hardware: servers, data storage systems, workstations, routers, switches, any other server and network hardware.
- Software: operating systems, CRM and CMS systems, databases, installed applications and running services.
- Network components: cables, any network hardware (routers, switches) and software (e.g. firewalls) required for internal and external network operation.
Models for building IT infrastructure
It is customary to define three models for building IT infrastructure: traditional, cloud and hybrid.
- Traditional: all components are owned by the company; hardware is deployed on the company’s premises and maintained by in-house specialists or contractors. Resource costs (electricity, repairs, etc.) are also borne by the IT infrastructure owner’s company. Traditional models are the most expensive to operate, pay off only in the long term and mostly created by large businesses and corporations.
- Cloud: most of the IT infrastructure components are deployed in the cloud. For this purpose, a business can use public cloud services and create a private or hybrid cloud. Public cloud services are provided by cloud service providers on a commercial basis (e.g. AWS clouds, Google Cloud Platform, etc.). A private cloud is created by a company on its own hardware or leases the necessary hardware from a service provider. Hybrid cloud involves the integration of a private cloud into a public cloud in cases where there are not enough computing resources of the company’s own or it is necessary to use a specific public service.
- Hybrid: a combination of cloud resources and the company’s own hardware. Hybrid IT infrastructures, for example, allow businesses to store sensitive data on their own servers and deploy applications and products in the cloud.