IT infrastructure refers to the composite hardware, software, network resources and services required for the existence, operation and management of an enterprise IT environment. While people talk about it a lot, do we really understand what this really is? Here are 11 things that will help you have a better understanding about IT infrastructure.
1. Server maintenance
Server maintenance involves keeping a server updated and running so that a computer network can operate smoothly. This is all about updates, patch management on your servers and intangible resources monitoring.
2. Enterprise-wide configuration
With this, we ensure the highest quality multi-tier applications. How do we do it? We control the working environment of user accounts and computer accounts using GPOs, and we assign security permissions via Active Directory.
3. Email inboxes and messaging management
This can be accomplished by an email software product like Microsoft Exchange, or by a unified communications platform like Lync or Skype for Business.
4. Domain Name System
Whether it is internal or external, a Domain Name System (DNS) is required to associate various information with domain names assigned to each of the participating entities.
5. SSL Certificate Management
Certificates need to be purchased, deployed and renewed when they've expired. This takes time, especially when multiplied over the dozens or even hundreds of applications and domains.
6. Information backups
It is really important for a company to always back up important information and have a plan for recovering from a system failure.
7. Firewall/NAT
Firewalls are very useful for stopping hackers who use various techniques to insert malicious packets onto computers.
8. Cloud infrastructure
Cloud computing is a general term for the delivery of hosted services over the Internet. Platforms and solutions like Microsoft Azure and Office 365 enable companies to consume compute resources as a utility, just like electricity, rather than having to build and maintain computing infrastructures in-house.
9. Disaster recovery
Disaster recovery involves a set of policies and procedures to enable the recovery or continuation of vital technology infrastructure and systems, following a natural or human induced disaster, with a focus on the IT or technology systems supporting critical business functions.
10. PC inventory management
Companies should know exactly what physical and virtual computers they have, their physically location, their configuration, and who is using them. That is when IT infrastructure takes action.
11. General troubleshooting
The complexities involved in troubleshooting IT infrastructure are best handled by well-equipped IT professionals who know what is at stake, and can get you back in business quickly.
Infrastructure services are essential for realizing high returns on IT investments. An ideal IT infrastructure is designed for operational excellence and flexibility where users are not only able to detect potential complications but they can also resolve them quickly. If you have any special requests to enhance the IT infrastructure in your company, Definity First can help you. Send us an email sales@definityfirst.com and ask about our Cloud and Platform Services. We will be glad to hear about you!
