IT infrastructure can be traditional, cloud-based, or a hybrid of the two structures. Choosing the right structure and elements will streamline the delivery of IT services, data storage, and hardware and software applications. When your company has a perfectly tailored IT infrastructure, it will be easier for you to manage your daily workflow and processes, improving efficiency, performance, and marketability. A robust IT infrastructure will also ensure data security and reduce your risk of data loss, theft, or breaches.
At MTC, we make a point of explaining IT, tech, and web design and development terms in clear language rather than tech speak. We want you to be able to take an active and informed role in the development of the tools that will make your company more successful and allow you to perform core business functions with ease. Here is our guide to understanding the key elements of IT infrastructure and choosing an IT infrastructure that makes sense for your business.
Understanding IT Infrastructure
Before you begin working with an IT consultant, you should have a basic knowledge of what IT infrastructure is, and why it is important for your company. IT infrastructure is the foundation of your company’s technology resources. It includes your company’s:
It is important because developing and maintaining your company’s IT infrastructure will enable you to complete your core business operations more efficiently and securely.
Key Elements of a Robust IT Infrastructure
Next, you should have a general understanding of the key elements of a robust IT infrastructure. These elements create a stable foundation on which your company can operate, allowing you to remain competitive in your industry and facilitate daily business processes. The key components of your IT infrastructure are:
- Hardware – Your company’s hardware includes physical devices like servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. Your server is a dedicated computer or cloud-based program that manages access to a centralized resource on your network. Your server holds files, applications, programs, and data that your company uses on a day-to-day basis, and access must be carefully controlled to prevent data breaches. Storage systems are the devices that store company data, like hard disk drives, solid state drives, and removable drives.
- Software – Your company’s software includes operating systems, applications, databases, and other programs that allow you to use your hardware and perform daily business operations.
- Networking and network management tools – Your networking tools are the physical devices and protocols that connect your hardware and software. Network tools allow your hardware and software to communicate and transfer data.
- Facilities – Your IT infrastructure facilities are the physical area where your server and IT equipment are stored or used, like a data center or network room.
- Cloud services – Cloud services are cloud computing platforms and services that provide on-demand access to your company’s data, programs, files, and applications without the need to access hardware directly. Users can log into a cloud server from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to work remotely while keeping company data secure.
- Security systems – Security systems are protocols and technology that protect your company’s work product, IP, and IT infrastructure from unauthorized access, hacking or cyber threats, and other security risks.
- Managed IT services – Managed IT services are the processes, procedures, and tools that are used to manage delivery of your IT services and ensure they meet your needs.
Tailoring Your IT Infrastructure to Your Business
In order to tailor your IT infrastructure to your specific business needs, you should focus on security, business processes and workflows, staff, and scalability. Our team at MTC can provide targeted IT consulting services to help you better understand how to choose an infrastructure that makes it easier to meet your business objectives and goals, enhances performance, streamlines data management and IT security, and is easy for your staff to use. Here are some of the factors we will consider:
- Business needs and goals – We will start by gaining a deeper understanding of your business goals. This includes any current industry-specific needs and requirements as well as your future plans. We will consider the size of your company, the daily processes and workflow of your staff, any security risks or threats, growth projections, and your budget.
- Current infrastructure – Next, we will evaluate your current infrastructure. We will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your hardware, software, network tools, and data storage. We will determine its efficacy based on its age, performance, and function.
- Budget – Then we will review your budget and cost management plan to make sure that the initial setup costs and ongoing operation expenses are in line with your projections.
- Security and compliance – Then we will determine what security measures you need to implement to protect your data and IP and reduce the risk of theft, loss, or breaches. We will ensure your security protocols comply with industry standards and local and federal regulations.
- Cloud vs on-premises – Next, we will help you determine if you would benefit more from cloud-based or on-premises architecture. We can also create a hybrid combination of the two. Cloud options offer scalability and cost savings and can be convenient for remote workers.
- Network architecture – Then we will make sure your network tools can handle your daily demands and provide room to grow.
- Data backup and recovery – Next, we will help you develop a plan for disaster recovery and business continuity in the event of a disaster like a flood or fire, a data breach, or system failures. This plan will include data backup and recovery and procedures to minimize downtime and maintain key business operations and customer service and communication.
- Future growth – Your company’s IT infrastructure should not be static, but scalable. A scalable system is one that grows along with your business. Elements can be added or removed as needed in order to support business expansion or personnel changes.
Call MTC to Set Up a Consultation for IT Infrastructure Development
Updating your company’s current IT infrastructure can enhance performance and efficiency, provide improved security and data protection, allow for scalability, offer cost savings, and help you stay competitive in your industry. At MTC, our mission is to make IT easy. Our team includes skilled, knowledgeable IT experts who can provide personalized, trusted IT consulting services for your company. We specialize in managed IT services, IT consulting, hardware solutions, and network development and management. We will work closely with you to develop an optimal IT infrastructure for your business in Elkins, WV or the surrounding areas. Reach out to us online or call now to get a quote or schedule a consultation.