What Is IT Infrastructure?

IT infrastructure refers to the various components, information technology environments, and operations required to maintain performance. A strong IT infrastructure is beneficial for business operations because it improves employee productivity and efficiency and helps deliver quality solutions to customers. Implementing proper IT infrastructure is essential for a business to lower the risk of security issues, such as breaches and other challenges related to connectivity and overall productivity. 

IT infrastructures fall under two main types: traditional infrastructure and cloud infrastructure.

• Traditional infrastructure typically involves a business or organisation owning and managing the various components on-site. This type of IT infrastructure requires a significant amount of hardware and physical space and requires more power than other types. For this reason, traditional IT infrastructure tends to be more costly than cloud infrastructure.

• Cloud infrastructure allows access to IT resources over the internet. You can rent from a cloud infrastructure provider if you're comfortable using a public cloud. You also have the option to create your private cloud. Cloud infrastructure enables portability and allows businesses to access services from a multitude of different locations. 

Components of IT infrastructure

The primary components of IT infrastructure include hardware, software, operating systems, networks, and data centres. Understanding these elements and how they contribute to effective IT operations is essential for maintaining and optimising your technology environment.

• Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical components of IT infrastructure. Examples of hardware include computers, laptops, routers, and printers.

• Software: Software components allow hardware to function and provide direction on how it should perform. Common software components include tools such as customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning software.

• Operating system: Operating systems are a specific type of software that manages a system's processes, activities, and resources, including all of the software and hardware components.

• Network: Networks connect various devices to allow them to work as a cohesive unit, requiring support from both hardware and software. These components include servers, firewalls, internet connectivity, and switches.

• Data centre: Depending on the type of IT infrastructure, data centres are physical or virtual locations where information and applications are safely stored. They consist of several components, including security systems and storage devices.

Learn more about information technology.

IT infrastructure encompasses the components, environments, and operations required to maintain performance, crucial for enhancing employee productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Traditional IT infrastructure is on-site and hardware-intensive, while cloud infrastructure offers internet-based, flexible access to resources, each with its benefits and considerations.

To prepare for an information technology career, consider earning a Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable IT skills, including encryption algorithms and techniques, network protocols, cloud computing, and more. Earning your certificate can help you qualify for several IT positions, such as an IT specialist or tech support specialist.