IT Infrastructure
The IT infrastructure comprises all physical and non-physical assets that enable the operation of software applications, from networks and hardware to software. A general distinction is made between traditional and cloud infrastructure. The coordination of IT resources and systems is referred to as IT infrastructure management.
Components of the IT infrastructure
Every IT infrastructure has three components: Hardware, such as servers with computing power and storage space, software that runs on the hardware and networks through which software can be accessed.
Networks
Networks enable internal systems to communicate with each other and with external systems. They include the internet connection, network connections, firewalls and the necessary hardware such as routers, switches and cables.
Hardware
Hardware includes all physical devices, from entire data centers, servers and individual employee PCs to printers, for example.
Software
Software includes all applications used that are operated on the hardware. Examples include web servers, internal web applications, software tools installed on PCs and their operating systems. Software also includes managing the licenses required for the software applications and ensuring that support is available for the software.
Types of infrastructure
Nowadays, a basic distinction is made between two types of IT infrastructure: traditional and cloud infrastructure.
Traditional infrastructure
Traditional IT infrastructure describes an infrastructure in which all hardware, software and network components are owned and operated by the organization. In der Regel sind die Kosten für traditionelle Infrastruktur höher, da sie immer für den Maximalbedarf ausgelegt sein muss. Its advantage is that it is not shared with other companies.
Cloud infrastructure
With a cloud infrastructure, at least the hardware is operated by a third party. Bei der Nutzung von SaaS-Angeboten wird auch die Software von Dritten betrieben. Der Zugriff auf die Software erfolgt über das Internet. Vorteil von Cloud-Infrastruktur ist, dass sie in der Regel günstiger ist, da die Anbieter der Hard- und Software Skaleneffekte nutzen können, da Sie eine Vielzahl von Kunden haben, die ihre Angebote nutzen. Auch Lastspitzen können gut abgefangen werden. Disadvantages of cloud infrastructure are the dependence on one provider in a critical area (risk of vendor lock-in) and security aspects due to access via the internet and the shared infrastructure.
Consolidation of the IT infrastructure
In order to reduce IT infrastructure costs in the long term, it makes sense to regularly evaluate new developments and opportunities to identify potential savings. Hardware and software can be combined or standardized if necessary. This can reduce administration costs and increase flexibility, as fewer individual systems need to be managed. The virtualization of systems is particularly helpful here. Another measure can be the use of cloud resources and services.
How Cloudogu can help you with your IT infrastructure
Cloudogu develops the open-source operating platform Cloudogu EcoSystem, which can help you consolidate and standardize your IT infrastructure. Our operating platform simplifies the administration of the tools operated on it. It can also be used to harmonize tool sets.
