IT Infrastructure

"IT infrastructure consists of the equipment, systems, software, and services used in common across an organization, regardless of mission/program/project. IT Infrastructure also serves as the foundation upon which mission/program/project-specific systems and capabilities are built." from cio.gov ITIL defines infrastructure more like: "All of the components (Configuration Items) that are needed to deliver IT Services to customers. The IT Infrastructure consists of more than just hardware and software." Additionally, for project planning purposes, IT Infrastructure should be subdivided into into several components:

• Software Development
• Software Maintenance (corrective perfective, adaptive, block changes)
• Purchased Software (e.g. ERP system)
• IT Infrastructure hardware (e.g. servers, switches)
• IT Services (e.g software setup, help desk, computer administration)

IT infrastructure consists of all components that somehow play a role in overall IT and IT-enabled operations. It can be used for internal business operations or developing customer IT or business solutions. Typically, a standard IT infrastructure consists of the following components:

• Hardware: Servers, computers, data centers, switches, hubs and routers, etc.
• Software: Enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), productivity applications and more
• Network: Network enablement, internet connectivity, firewall and security
• Meatware: Human users, such as network administrators (NA), developers, designers and generic end users with access to any IT appliance or service are also part of an IT infrastructure, specifically with the advent of user-centric IT service development.

Further Reading

• IT Policy: An Essential Element of IT Infrastructure Kent Wada and Paula King
• 11 things to explain what IT infrastructure is about Definity First
• Next Generation IT Infrastructure McKinsey