What is IT infrastructure management?
Infrastructure management is a method of monitoring and maintaining critical Information Technology (IT) infrastructure to ensure the best use of resources, protect against data loss, and monitor key aspects of local and cloud-based service utilization. Infrastructure management services help ensure complex IT infrastructure functions are operating appropriately and meeting business operational needs. A modern approach to IT infrastructure management typically covers a hybrid model that includes local and cloud-based assets.
Infrastructure management adds structure and visibility for IT assets. Maintaining an infrastructure that includes multiple complex systems across locales without a clear view of all assets can result in duplication of services as well as human efforts to maintain them. An organization’s IT infrastructure can be divided into three main groups (systems, network, storage management) and may include the following:
- Hardware - Hardware includes desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and mainframes
- Software - Critical enterprise software such as SAS, IBM Cognos, Microsoft
- Operating Systems - MacOS, Linux, Unix, Windows
- Data Storage and Management - Data servers and software applications used to manage them
- Telecom and Networking - Virtual network servers, voice over IP (VOIP) servers, physical telephony equipment, routers, and more
- Internet - Website and web hosting services, equipment, as well as cloud-based development services/tools
- Consulting, & Integration - Legacy systems require integration or migration into modern systems or applications
A robust infrastructure management plan includes the development and adherence to standards. Documentation is essential to ensure regular knowledge transfer to the IT teams responsible for equipment and services. Maintaining consistency is an important goal of infrastructure management.
What are the benefits of applying IT infrastructure management?
- Ensure Business Continuity. A primary goal for IT infrastructure management is to ensure business continuity by preventing downtime and data loss. Infrastructure management allows for quicker response during emergency situations or other operational interruptions.
- Proactive Maintenance. Infrastructure management services that include intelligent automation gives businesses the ability to predict maintenance or replacement windows rather than approaching them as they happen. Proactive maintenance and replacement lessens opportunities for unplanned outages and unproductive downtime.
- Employee Efficiencies. Infrastructure management allows employees to choose more efficient means of production with more accurate information. Employees have the opportunity to better streamline workflows.
- Cost Reduction. Businesses can better plan for resource usage with IT infrastructure management because all assets (hardware, software, data) are known or easily discoverable. Purchasing and usage costs can be reduced considerably when all aspects of infrastructure are more clearly visible through real-time asset performance management tools.