In computing, the infrastructure ecompasses all the components (including hardware, software, services and network resources) required to support, operate and manage an IT environment. Cloud infrastructure describes the components needed specifically for cloud computing, which includes hardware, virtualization software, storage and network resources.
An IT infrastructure covers all and every component that makes up an enterprise IT environment. This will most commonly include computing hardware and software (such as operating systems and databases), telecommunication services, servers, data centers, storage facilities, virtual and remote assets, and many more besides.
An IT infrastructure is the foundation upon which an organization’s entire IT environment is built. A reliable, flexible and secure infrastructure can maximize productivity, boost agility, enhance security and ultimately help to provide a better service to clients and customers. Conversely, a poorly implemented infrastructure can lead to connectivity, productivity and security issues, which can result in customer dissatisfaction, employee burnout and loss of revenue.
The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework is a collection of specific best practises for designing and managing IT infrastructure, and it is intended to match IT services with business requirements. ITIL, which is available in five volumes, describes tech-neutral processes, procedures, tasks and checklists that can be used to link IT services to an organization’s business strategy.
