IT infrastructure

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IT infrastructure describes all tangible and intangible goods that enable the operation of application software .

Definition taking into account the reference point

The IT infrastructure is the entirety of all buildings, communication services (network), machines ( hardware ) and programs ( software ), which are made available to a higher level through a subordinate level (Latin: infra "sub") for automated information processing. The higher level has no direct possibility of influencing the processes of the lower level; the planning authority for the processes remains with the lower level.

Examples are:

  • For an operating system developer, only the computer (s) is “his” IT infrastructure, which he can use but not influence.
  • For an application developer, the operating system is part of the IT infrastructure.
  • For a "normal" user, from "his" perspective, all applications belong to the IT infrastructure, possibly also his telephone ( VoIP )

hardware

The IT infrastructure includes workstation computers as well as networks and servers . The IT infrastructure enables the use of digital media both internally and externally, for example in the form of a connection to the Internet .

software

The software that is available to employees on the workstation computers is also part of the IT infrastructure. It also includes network services offered by servers . Here, too, the offer is aimed at internal users ( file server , printer server , mail server , intranet , ...) as well as external users ( web server , mail server, FTP server) and external employees ( VPN ).

Consolidation of the IT infrastructure

The term “consolidation of the IT infrastructure” refers to the process of standardizing and merging (or even merging) server or desktop systems , applications, as well as databases or strategies. The goal is usually to simplify and make the IT infrastructure more flexible, often by reducing physical systems and replacing them with virtual systems .

See also

Web links

  • Encyclopedia of Information Systems : Definition and Classification in Information Management

Individual evidence

  1. Patig et al. (2009): IT infrastructure , in: Kurb, K. et al. (Ed.): Encyclopedia of Information Systems. Third edition. Munich: Oldenbourg, September 24, 2008. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  2. Guide to Server Consolidation. TecChannel.de, January 17, 2006, accessed on August 5, 2010 .