Information technology infrastructure, or IT Infrastructure for short, broadly refers to a set of components that are the foundation of an IT service and can range from physical components as well as software and or network components.

That is why, here at GRIT Consultancy, we have compiled everything you need to know on IT infrastructure.

What Are The Components Of IT Infrastructure?

The components of information technology infrastructure can be grouped into three individual elements.

These are infrastructure hardware (physical resources), infrastructure software and infrastructure network.

These all rely heavily on each other – hardware uses software like operating systems, whilst software needs hardware to function and run. Both may need networks to run and exchange data.

Infrastructure Hardware

Infrastructure hardware includes all of the IT components that you can physically touch.

These pieces of physical hardware can support a range of IT activities such as allowing you to connect to your digital network, physical data storage, communication and more.

Examples of infrastructure hardware include:

• Mobile Devices
• Laptops
• Desktop Computers
• Printers
• Network Cables
• Routers
• Hubs
• Switches
• Storage Devices
• Hard Drives
• Physical Servers

Infrastructure Software

Infrastructure software, on the other hand, works as a foundation software on which the IT capabilities of an organisation are built upon.

Infrastructure software refers to software applications that are designed to help businesses and organisations to perform technological tasks such as support, transactions and more.

It can also be referred to as integration software or middleware. Examples of infrastructure software are:

• Operating Systems
• Virtual Machines
• Software Applications
• Databases
• Monitoring
• Data Storage
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Web Servers
• Service Management
• Cloud Management
• Cloud Infrastructures/Cloud Servers
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Infrastructure Network

Infrastructure network, the third component in IT infrastructure, refers to the network architecture that provides communication between wireless and wired network resources.

A strong, reliable and secure network system form the core part of any IT infrastructure, therefore it’s important that it is designed with the needs of the business in mind.

Examples of infrastructure networking, include:

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• Firewalls & Security
• Internet Connectivity
• Desktop Virtualisation
• Internet Service Provider (ISP)

What Are The Types Of IT Infrastructure?

There are also three types of IT infrastructure, which can be classified as traditional infrastructure, cloud infrastructure, and hyper-converged infrastructure.

What Is Traditional Infrastructure?

Traditional infrastructure is made up of the usual hardware and software components.

These traditional infrastructure components, such as desktop computers, are connected to a network via a remote server.

Traditional infrastructure is owned and managed by the business, which sounds cost-effective, however, it can prove to be very expensive to run.

This is because it requires a large amount of hardware, physical space and power.

What Is Cloud Infrastructure?

Cloud infrastructure, on the other hand, instead of being accessible with traditional and physical hardware, all servers, software and networks are hosted on the cloud.

The cloud refers to a global network of remote servers that operates as a single ecosystem.

Because the cloud is virtually hosted between several different servers, it means that instead of investing finances on the hardware, space and power required for traditional infrastructure, you are able to significantly reduce your cost outflow.

You are able to rent cloud data storage space from a cloud hosting provider such as GRIT Consultancy, paying for what is required, rather than paying for system resources you don’t need or use.

Cloud infrastructure also offers flexibility when up against traditional infrastructure, and because of the lack of limitations, it can be scaled both up and down depending on your business needs.

With a cloud computing and services solution, it is also much less likely to have technical issues, such as a power cut shutting down your operating systems. They also tend to offer top of the range storage, IT resources and computing power.

What Is Converged Infrastructure?

Converged infrastructure, sometimes known as converged architecture, is a system that combines the basic hardware components of a data centre such as compute, storage and networking. Converged infrastructure, or CI, is a way of grouping multiple components into a single computing package.

What Is Hyper-Converged Infrastructure?

Hyper-converged infrastructure is a software-defined IT infrastructure system that merges all the elements of a traditional data centre, like converged infrastructure, however, includes the software stack, such as operating system, virtual networking and more.

A hyper-converged infrastructure creates a more complete solution.

Hyper-converged infrastructure, or HCI, allows you to manage your network, compute, storage and management from a single interface, meaning you have fewer systems to manage.

Furthermore, with those software-defined elements grouped together, you can support modern workloads with scalable architectures and on industry-standard hardware.

How To Build An IT Infrastructure

An information technology infrastructure is comprised of the components mentioned above.

Developing an IT infrastructure for your business is essential for your business for scalability, business growth, productivity and more. No matter the size of your business, or your business goals, the set-up of your IT infrastructure needs to follow a plan that is long-term, scalable and sustainable.

Setting Up Hardware

The first and most important component is hardware. Without hardware, you are not going to have any infrastructure. The first step is making sure you are able to set up a decent server.

Working without a server when you first start alone out might be fine, but if you’re planning to scale up beyond that, a server is needed. It isn’t a large investment either, and shouldn’t cost more than a laptop or desktop computer.

A decent server will be able to service over 20 users, which is perfect for small business operations.

Setting Up Software

Setting up your software works alongside the hardware. Hardware becomes redundant without software, ranging from operating systems, data storage and productivity tools.

Once you have established your business needs, you will need to opt for software that aid and streamline your operations.

From choosing Apple or Windows, Google Suite or Microsoft Sharepoint, Teams or Slack and more. These will be critical to your ways of working.

Setting Up Networking/Communication

One way or another, communication nowadays, is done through some sort of network. This means it is critical to set up a secure, fast, reliable, and easily accessible networking system.

This applies to your internet provider, chat systems and integrations, contacts and calendar entries. Some of these can be done internally, but it is usually only practical via a private server and using a VPN. Find out if you really need a VPN here.

Have An IT Infrastructure Expert Build It For You

Whilst following the steps listed above, there may be some looming questions or general confusion. Because setting up your infrastructure is one of the key processes your business will need to do, it needs a high amount of consideration and planning, and if you don’t have an expert building it for you, you are putting your business at risk.

By having an IT infrastructure expert build it for you, you are able to utilise experts that have years of experience in developing and designing IT infrastructure, whilst keeping it safe and secure.

This expertise may not come easily in-house and could lead to problems down the line. IT consultants will also have an array of contacts that may come in handy and or reduce costs.

How To Build A Secure IT Infrastructure

So you have created your IT infrastructure, but is it secure? Or maybe you haven’t created it yet but are in the planning process, and want to make sure your infrastructure security is optimal. The cost-to-risk ratio for an unsecured IT infrastructure can be shocking.

Protecting your IT infrastructure from cyberattacks is very important for businesses and business operations of all sizes in the modern world.

Cybercriminals are constantly developing new schemes to access your company network and sensitive data, especially as we become more digitally based.

This means secure IT infrastructure has become even more vital than ever before.

Find out more information on how to build a secure IT infrastructure, here. However, we have summarised the 6 key steps below.

• Get a professional to conduct a security audit and IT assessment
• Enforce IT Security Policies
• Update Your Antivirus Software & Firewalls
• Backup Your Data
• Use Hosting Solutions & Services
• Outsource Your IT Support

How Can GRIT Consultancy Help You With Your IT Infrastructure?

GRIT Consultancy offer solutions and support for businesses of all sizes, from small to big. Simplicity is golden for IT infrastructure and can be the key to a more efficient, cost-effective and secure IT ecosystem.

As IT infrastructure is one of the key processes your business will need to do, it is critical that it is properly implemented and developed.

We offer affordable, flexible support packages to suit the needs of any business, both big and small, and can use our years of industry experience to build or consult you when creating your IT infrastructure.

Get in contact today.