LECTURE#05
Identifying the Components of System to Manage:
Information technology (IT) infrastructure is critical to maintaining and improving the
overall employee performance and productivity of your business. A strong network of IT
infrastructure components, such as hardware, software, and data storage, makes your business
operations run better and faster. A weak one, on the other hand, slows down work processes or
leads to inefficiency.
With businesses becoming increasingly digital, the need for strong IT infrastructure management
has become critical.
Hence, information systems can be viewed as having six major components: hardware, software,
network communications, data, people, and processes. Each has a specific role, and all roles must
work together to have a working information system.
Technology
Technology can be thought of as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. From
the invention of the wheel to the harnessing of electricity for artificial lighting, technology is a part of
our lives in so many ways that we tend to take it for granted. As discussed before, the first four
components of information systems – hardware, software, network communication, and data, are all
technologies that must integrate well together.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components that form the core of IT infrastructure. Some
examples include computers, laptops, printers, and storage devices. IT infrastructure
components such as software and applications need hardware to function properly.
Hardware allows users to input data into the systems and store and share it. It works hand in
hand with software applications to communicate with the users. The speed and adaptability of
your infrastructure depend on hardware. That’s why you should upgrade your hardware
components as per the latest technological changes.
Things to keep in mind: Hardware components are expensive and take up a significant portion
of the IT budget. Here are a few factors to consider while buying hardware:
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Features: Each hardware component has a unique feature, such as storage space, size,
processor, or connectivity, so assess your needs before investing in hardware.
Speed and performance: Most hardware devices have a processor that is responsible for
speed and performance. More the processing power, higher the hardware device ’s capacity to
handle critical tasks and extensive workload.
Mobility: Hardware components can be made more mobile by integrating them with
advanced data storage components, such as cloud services, to add flexibility for remote
access of systems and resources.
Budget: Hardware components are expensive and can lead to budget overruns. The best
practice is to first identify the features you need and then compare the options available on
the market to find one that best fits your budget
Software
Software is a set of instructions—in the form of codes—that enables hardware devices to
function. Hardware and software cannot work without each other. For example, a computer
cannot work without an operating system, and an internet service cannot work without a web
application and a computer.
In simple terms, software directs hardware to do its job. It helps automate tasks that are either
time-consuming or prone to human errors. These tasks include day-to-day activities such as data
entry or analysis. Using software enhances efficiency by saving time and effort, which can be
used to complete other tasks that add business value.
Data
The third component is data. You can think of data as a collection of non-disputable raw facts. For
example, your first name, driver's license number, the city you live in, a picture of your pet, a clip of
your voice, and your phone number are all pieces of raw data. You can see or hear your data, but by
themselves, they don’t give you any additional meanings beyond the data itself. For example, you can
read a driver's license number of a person, you may recognize it as a driver's license number, but you
know nothing else about this person. They are typically what IS would need to collect from you or
other sources. However, once these raw data are aggregated, indexed, and organized together into a
logical fashion using software such as a spreadsheet, or a database, the collection of these organized
data will present new information and insights that a single raw fact can’t convey.
Networking Communication
The components of hardware, software, and data have long been considered the core technology of
information systems. However, networking communication is another component of an IS that some
believe should be in its own category. Information technology (IT) infrastructure is critical to
maintaining and improving the overall employee performance and productivity of your business.
Networking requires both hardware and software components to provide adequate support in the
form of network infrastructure. Its components allow communication and collaboration between
users, applications, and work processes via the internet. A strong network of IT infrastructure
components, such as hardware, software, and data storage, makes your business operations run
better and faster. A weak one, on the other hand, slows down work processes or leads to
inefficiency. With businesses becoming increasingly digital, the need for strong IT infrastructure
management has become critical. If you’re someone responsible for the effective use of
technology at your business.
Networking requires both hardware and software components to provide adequate support in the
form of network infrastructure. Its components allow communication and collaboration between
users, applications, and work processes via the internet. The hardware and software components
of network infrastructure include the following:
Network hardware
Network software
Routers
Firewall
Switches
Operating system
Cables
Network security
Local area network (LAN) cards
Network operations and management
People
People built computers for people to use. This means that there are many different categories in the
development and management of information systems to help organizations to create value and
improve productivity, such as:
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Users: these are the people who actually use an IS to perform a job function or task.
Examples include: a student uses a spreadsheet or a word processing software program.
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Technical Developers: these are the people who actually create the technologies used
to build an information system. Examples include a computer chip engineer, a software
programmer, and an application programmer.
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Business Professionals: these are the CEOs, owners, managers, entrepreneurs,
employees who use IS to start or expand their business to perform their job functions such as
accounting, marketing, sales, human resources, support customers, among others. Examples
include famous CEOs such as Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Steve Jobs of Apple, Bill Gates
of Microsoft, and Marc Benioff of Salesforce.
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IT Support: These specialized professionals are trained to keep the information systems
running smoothly to support the business and keep it safe from illegal attacks. Examples
include network analysts, data center support, help-desk support.
Process
A business process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal. Businesses
have to continually innovate to either create more revenues through new products and services that
fulfill customers’ needs or to find cost-saving opportunities in the ways they run their companies.
Simply automating activities using technology is not enough. Information systems are becoming more
and more integrated with organizational processes to deliver value in revenue-generating and costsaving activities that can give companies competitive advantages over their competitors. Specialized
standards or processes such as “business process reengineering,” “business process management,”
“enterprise resource planning,” and “customer relationship management” all have to do with the
continued improvement of these business procedures and the integration of technology with them to
improve internal efficiencies and to gain a deeper understanding of customers’ needs. Businesses
hoping to gain an advantage over their competitors are highly focused on this component of
information systems.
Data center
Data center is a physical or virtual space to store and manage business information and
applications. It provides employees secure, uninterrupted access to information and applications.
Data center infrastructure comprises servers, storage devices, computer applications, security
systems, and routers. These components ensure smooth internal and external communication and
secure storage and management of your business’s information.
Things to keep in mind: Data is critical for informed decision-making; therefore, its
dependability, security, and access should be your top priorities. Here are some ways to keep
your data center secure, adaptable, and manageable:
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Have flexible data center infrastructure that easily adapts to technological changes and new
component additions.
To increase storage space and the speed of storage components, get rid of dat a that is no
longer relevant to your business.
Combine the benefits of public cloud and private cloud services to cater to the data needs of
remote workers.
Use data center management tools to boost the efficiency, reliability, and security of your
data centers.
Remote connectivity
Remote connectivity is the process of virtually connecting, sharing, and managing business
resources and assets in a digital workplace. With remote connectivity, stakeholders (e.g.,
clients, employees) can access data and files from any location, and the technical support team
can track and manage business assets using tools such as a virtual private network (VPN).
Remote connectivity adds flexibility to work processes and enhances efficiency. It allows you r
business to function properly in a distributed (hybrid, remote, or in -office) environment using
supported devices, platforms, and networks.
What are Exist Processes in IT Infrastructure:
The term "exist process" may refer to the analysis and review of the existing processes within an IT
infrastructure to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals.
The purpose of assessing existing processes is to identify areas for improvement, streamline
operations, enhance productivity, and optimize resource allocation. This evaluation typically involves
examining various aspects such as workflow, documentation, roles and responsibilities, tools and
technologies, performance metrics, and compliance requirements.
In IT infrastructure, there are several processes related to the existence and management of various
components. Here are some commonly encountered processes:
1. Inventory Management: This process involves keeping track of all hardware and software assets
within the IT infrastructure. It includes maintaining a detailed inventory of servers, network devices,
storage systems, licenses, and applications.
2. Configuration Management: Configuration management focuses on establishing and
maintaining the desired state of IT systems and components. It involves documenting and tracking
hardware and software configurations, applying changes, and ensuring consistency across the
infrastructure.
3. Change Management: Change management is responsible for controlling and implementing
changes to the IT infrastructure in a controlled manner. It includes assessing and approving change
requests, coordinating the implementation process, and minimizing disruptions or risks associated with
changes.
4. Incident Management: Incident management deals with identifying, analyzing, and
resolving any unexpected issues or disruptions in the IT environment. It involves logging incidents,
categorizing their severity, and following predefined processes to restore normal operations as quickly
as possible.
5. Problem Management: Problem management focuses on identifying and addressing the
underlying causes of recurring incidents or system issues. It involves root cause analysis, creating
workarounds or permanent solutions, and implementing preventive measures to avoid future problems.
6. Capacity Planning: Capacity planning aims to ensure that the IT infrastructure has sufficient
resources to meet current and future demands. It involves monitoring resource utilization, predicting
future requirements, and making informed decisions regarding hardware upgrades, network
bandwidth, storage capacity, etc.
7. Monitoring and Performance Management: Monitoring processes involve
continuously observing the performance and health of IT infrastructure components. It includes
monitoring system metrics, analyzing performance data, identifying bottlenecks or issues, and taking
proactive measures to optimize performance.
8. Service Level Management: Service level management focuses on defining, negotiating,
and managing service level agreements (SLAs) with internal or external stakeholders. It involves
monitoring service levels, conducting periodic reviews, and ensuring that services meet the agreedupon standards and expectations.
What is meant by application in IT infrastructure?
In the context of IT infrastructure, an application refers to a software program or system that is
designed to perform specific functions or tasks. It is a piece of software that runs on top of the IT
infrastructure, utilizing its resources and services to deliver a particular service or functionality.
Applications can vary widely in their purpose and scope within an IT infrastructure. They can be
classified into different categories based on their primary function, such as:
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Business Applications: These are applications that support various business functions, such
as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human resource
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management (HRM), project management, accounting, and supply chain management. Business
applications are typically tailored to specific industries or organizational needs.
Productivity Applications: These applications are used for enhancing individual or team
productivity. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, email clients,
calendar tools, collaboration platforms, and note-taking applications.
Communication Applications: These applications facilitate communication and
collaboration within an organization or between individuals. Examples include instant messaging (IM)
tools, video conferencing applications, team collaboration platforms, and file-sharing systems.
Web Applications: Web applications are accessed through web browsers and provide services
or functionality over the internet. They can range from simple web forms to complex web-based
systems. Examples include e-commerce platforms, content management systems (CMS), online
banking systems, social media platforms, and web-based email clients.
Mobile Applications: These applications are specifically designed to run on mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablets. They leverage the features and capabilities of mobile platforms to
provide various services, including entertainment, social networking, productivity, gaming, and ecommerce.