What does IT infrastructure consist of? Key elements of modern systems

A modern IT infrastructure is the foundation for the functioning of any organization. It is what underpins digital transformation, business process automation and technological innovation. According to IDC’s “Infrastructure Trends and Strategies 2024” report, as many as 78% of enterprises plan to increase investment in IT infrastructure modernization in the next 12 months.

The increasing complexity of IT environments and dynamically changing business requirements make knowledge of key IT infrastructure components essential for every manager and specialist. In this article, we will discuss the most important components of a modern IT infrastructure and show you how to manage them effectively.

What is IT infrastructure and what role does it play in a modern organization?

IT infrastructure is a complex set of hardware, software and network components that together form the foundation for all IT services and systems in an organization. It is much more than just servers and computers – it is a complex ecosystem of interrelated components that must work in synergy.

In a modern organization, IT infrastructure plays a strategic role. It supports business processes, enables communication, ensures data security and allows for rapid deployment of new solutions. According to Gartner, an efficient IT infrastructure can reduce the time to market for new products by up to 40%.

A well-designed IT infrastructure should be characterized by flexibility, scalability and reliability. These characteristics allow organizations to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and take advantage of emerging business opportunities.

What are the three main components of IT infrastructure?

IT infrastructure is based on three fundamental components: the hardware (hardware), software (software) and network layers. Each of these components has a specific role and must be properly integrated with the others.

The key to understanding modern IT infrastructure is knowing that these three layers are closely intertwined and complementary. None of them can function fully effectively without the others. For example, even state-of-the-art hardware will be useless without the right software and network infrastructure.

In practice, effective IT infrastructure management requires a holistic approach and an understanding of the dependencies between components. According to a 2023 study by Enterprise Strategy Group, organizations that treat IT infrastructure as a cohesive ecosystem achieve 35% higher operational efficiency.

What does the hardware (hardware) layer look like in an IT infrastructure?

The hardware layer is the physical foundation of the IT infrastructure, including all tangible components of the IT environment. The foundation of this layer is formed by servers, which can come in various forms – from single units to advanced blade and hyperconverged solutions. Modern server environments use modular architectures, allowing flexible scaling of computing power depending on the needs of the organization.

Storage systems, which have undergone significant evolution in recent years, are also a key component. These range from traditional HDD disk arrays to high-performance all-flash (AFA) systems to hybrid storage solutions. In enterprise environments, tape libraries still play an important role, using the latest LTO (Linear Tape-Open) standards, offering capacities of up to 18TB on a single tape in the case of LTO-9. Modern tape libraries, equipped with automatic media replacement (autoloader) systems and advanced data verification mechanisms (WORM – Write Once Read Many), provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for long-term data archiving and regulatory-compliant backup.

Network infrastructure is a critical component of the hardware layer, including access and core switches, routers, wireless controllers and WiFi access points. Programmable (SDN-ready) switches and dedicated network acceleration devices, such as SmartNIC cards and DPUs, are also becoming more common in modern data centers.

Physical security systems such as hardware firewalls, IPS/IDS devices, load balancers and dedicated appliance’s for protection against DDoS attacks are also an indispensable component. These are complemented by uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, precision air-conditioning units (CRAC) and environmental monitoring systems that ensure optimal operating conditions for IT equipment.

The hardware layer also includes workstations and terminal devices – from desktops and laptops to tablets and smartphones used by employees. In the era of hybrid work, video conferencing solutions, presentation systems and specialized peripherals are also becoming particularly important.

What elements make up the software (software) layer of the IT infrastructure?

The software layer of the IT infrastructure includes all the systems and applications necessary for the organization to function. The foundation of this layer is operating systems, which manage hardware resources and enable the operation of other software. Server-based solutions, such as Windows Server or various Linux distributions, dominate the corporate environment to ensure stability and security.

Another key element is virtualization systems, which allow efficient use of hardware resources. Platforms such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V enable the creation and management of virtual machines, resulting in greater flexibility and better use of available resources. In modern IT environments, virtualization has become a standard, enabling dynamic scaling and cost optimization.

Database management systems (DBMS), which are responsible for storing and processing the organization’s data, also play an important role. Solutions such as Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server or PostgreSQL must provide not only high performance, but also reliability and data security. Increasingly, organizations are using NoSQL solutions, which are better able to handle the processing of unstructured data.

At the application level are systems that support business processes – from ERP and CRM systems to specialized industry applications. This layer must be tightly integrated with the rest of the infrastructure, ensuring the smooth flow of data and information.

How is the network layer of the IT infrastructure built?

The network layer is the nervous system of the entire IT infrastructure, connecting all components together and enabling communication. At its core are LAN (Local Area Network) solutions, which provide connectivity within an organization. Modern LANs rely on managed switches that offer advanced traffic segmentation and Quality of Service (QoS) features.

In the era of remote work, WAN (Wide Area Network) and SD-WAN solutions are becoming particularly important, enabling secure communication between company branches and remote workers. SD-WAN technologies allow optimization of network traffic and automatic link management, resulting in better performance and reliability of connections.

Security systems such as next-generation firewalls (NGFW), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and VPN solutions are also an indispensable part of the network layer. These components create a multi-layered protection, securing the infrastructure against today’s network threats.

Cloud and hybrid solutions are also playing an increasingly important role, requiring the right network architecture for seamless integration with cloud services. According to Flexera’s “State of the Cloud Report 2023” study, more than 85% of organizations are adopting multi-cloud strategies, which requires advanced network solutions to ensure secure and efficient communication with different cloud service providers.

What are security systems in IT infrastructure?

IT infrastructure security is a multi-layered security system that must protect both the organization’s data and systems. A core component is identity and access management (IAM), which controls who can use IT resources and to what extent. Modern IAM systems use advanced multi-factor authentication (MFA) and privilege management mechanisms.

Another key layer is malware protection systems, which must deal with increasingly sophisticated threats. This includes not only traditional antivirus software, but also EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) systems that provide comprehensive endpoint protection.

Modern security systems also use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect anomalies and potential threats. SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) platforms collect and analyze data from across the infrastructure, enabling rapid response to security incidents.

Physical security of the IT infrastructure is also an important element, including data center access control, monitoring systems and fire protection. For critical infrastructure, redundant power and cooling systems are used to ensure business continuity.

What types of IT infrastructure can we distinguish?

Today’s organizations can choose from a variety of IT infrastructure deployment models to suit their needs and capabilities. Traditional on-premise infrastructure, where all resources reside in a local data center, remains a popular choice for organizations that require full control over their systems and data.

Cloud infrastructure (cloud computing) offers flexibility and scalability, eliminating the need to invest in in-house hardware and maintenance. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service) models allow organizations to choose the level of control and responsibility they want to retain over their infrastructure.

The hybrid model combines the advantages of on-premise and cloud infrastructure, enabling organizations to make the most of both environments. According to Accenture’s “Cloud Outcomes Research 2023” report, 67% of organizations are specifically choosing the hybrid approach, which allows them to keep critical systems local while taking advantage of the flexibility of the cloud.

Edge computing is the latest trend in IT infrastructure development, bringing data processing closer to the point of origin. This is especially important in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and applications requiring minimal latency in data processing.

How does traditional (on-premise) infrastructure work?

Traditional infrastructure, often referred to as on-premise, is characterized by the fact that all IT resources are physically located at the organization’s location. In this model, the enterprise retains full control over its IT environment, which is particularly important for organizations operating in regulated industries or processing sensitive data. An in-house data center allows the infrastructure to be fine-tuned to meet specific business and security requirements.

Managing traditional infrastructure requires maintaining a dedicated team of IT professionals who are responsible for all aspects of the environment – from server and network administration, to managing storage systems, to ensuring security and business continuity. Capacity planning and hardware refresh cycles, typically of 3-5 years for servers and 5-7 years for storage systems, are also critical.

The on-premise model involves high upfront costs (CAPEX) associated with the purchase of hardware, software and data center equipment. The organization must also factor in operational costs (OPEX) including power, cooling, maintenance of supporting infrastructure, and regular system upgrades and expansions.

In an era of digital transformation, traditional infrastructure often evolves to a private cloud model, using virtualization and automation technologies to increase flexibility and operational efficiency. This preserves the advantages of the on-premise model while leveraging modern IT management practices.

What is cloud infrastructure all about?

Cloud infrastructure represents a fundamental shift in the way IT resources are delivered and consumed. In this model, an organization uses a shared pool of computing, storage and networking resources, delivered as a service by a third-party provider. A key advantage is the pay-as-you-go model, which eliminates the need for high upfront costs.

The core of cloud infrastructure is the IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) model, which provides access to virtual machines, storage and networks. Platform as a Service (PaaS) adds a layer of runtime environments and development tools, while SaaS (Software as a Service) provides turnkey business applications. According to Gartner’s “Cloud Adoption Trends 2023” report, organizations are increasingly opting for a multi-cloud model, using different providers depending on specific needs and use cases.

Cloud security is based on a shared responsibility model, where the provider is responsible for the security of physical infrastructure and virtualization, and the customer is responsible for the security of data and applications. This requires a new approach to security management that takes into account the specifics of cloud environments and regulatory compliance.

Cloud infrastructure offers virtually unlimited scalability and flexibility, allowing resources to quickly adapt to changing business needs. Automation and orchestration, implemented by tools such as Terraform and Kubernetes, allow even highly complex cloud environments to be managed efficiently.

What are the characteristics of hybrid infrastructure?

Hybrid infrastructure combines the best features of on-premise and cloud environments to create a flexible IT environment tailored to an organization’s specific requirements. In this model, critical systems and data can remain in the local data center, while workloads requiring flexible scaling or seasonal workloads are moved to the public cloud. The key element is to ensure seamless integration and consistent management between the two environments.

Successful deployment of a hybrid infrastructure requires careful planning of the architecture, with particular attention to aspects such as network connectivity, security and regulatory compliance. Organizations often use dedicated Direct Connect or ExpressRoute connections to ensure secure and efficient communication between the local environment and the public cloud.

Managing a hybrid environment requires advanced monitoring and orchestration tools that provide a unified view of the entire infrastructure. Platforms such as VMware vRealize and Microsoft Azure Arc enable consistent management of resources regardless of their location. Identity and access management solutions that provide unified authentication and authorization across the environment also play an important role.

The hybrid model allows organizations to gradually migrate to the cloud according to their own pace and business priorities. This is particularly important for companies with significant investments in traditional infrastructure or operating in highly regulated sectors.

How to ensure high availability of IT infrastructure?

Ensuring high availability of IT infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach, including both technical solutions and organizational procedures. The foundation is the elimination of single points of failure (SPOF) through redundancy of key components – from power and cooling, to network links, to storage systems and application servers. In enterprise environments, it has become standard to implement solutions that ensure 99.99% availability (the so-called “four nines”).

Cluster solutions and data replication technologies play a key role in ensuring business continuity in the event of single component failures. Modern storage systems use synchronous or asynchronous replication between locations, while stretched cluster solutions allow applications to automatically switch between data centers in case of failure.

An essential component of a high availability strategy is regular monitoring and proactive performance management. Advanced monitoring tools, using artificial intelligence and machine learning, can predict potential problems before they affect service performance. According to Cisco’s “Global Networking Trends 2024” report, 45% of organizations are already using AIOps tools for predictive infrastructure management.

A Disaster Recovery (DR) plan and regular testing of disaster recovery procedures are an integral part of a high availability strategy. Organizations are increasingly using the cloud as a DR location to optimize costs while maintaining required SLA levels.

How do you manage the performance of your IT infrastructure?

Managing IT infrastructure performance requires a systematic data-driven approach and continuous monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs). Collecting metrics on resource utilization – CPU, RAM, disk space and network bandwidth – is fundamental. Modern performance management tools use advanced analytics and machine learning to detect anomalies and predict potential bottlenecks before they affect system performance.

A key aspect of performance management is optimization at the application and database level. This includes regular performance reviews of database queries, optimization of indexes and tuning of system parameters. In virtual environments, it is particularly important to properly manage resources and avoid overprovisioning, which can lead to inefficient use of infrastructure.

Capacity planning based on analysis of historical trends and growth forecasts also plays an important role. Organizations are using advanced analytical tools to model future resource requirements, allowing for advance planning of infrastructure expansion. According to Gartner research, accurate capacity planning can reduce infrastructure costs by up to 30% while maintaining required performance levels.

In the context of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, performance management requires a holistic approach that takes into account the specifics of different platforms and service providers. Performance management tools must provide a unified view of all infrastructure components, regardless of their location or technology platform.

How to effectively monitor IT infrastructure?

Effective monitoring of IT infrastructure is based on a multi-level surveillance system that covers all key components of the environment. The basis is monitoring of the physical infrastructure – temperature, humidity, power supply, and the status of network and server equipment. Environmental monitoring systems are integrated with building automation systems (BMS), which allows for immediate response in case of exceeding limit values.

At the system level, monitoring of service performance and availability is crucial. Modern monitoring platforms, such as Prometheus and Grafana, enable the collection of detailed metrics on the performance of applications, databases and operating systems. Application Performance Monitoring (APM) solutions that track application performance from the end-user perspective are also playing an increasingly important role.

Security monitoring is a separate, critical layer of the surveillance system. SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) platforms aggregate and analyze logs from various sources, detecting potential threats and anomalies in real time. Integration with EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and NDR (Network Detection and Response) solutions provides a comprehensive view of the infrastructure’s security status.

In the era of programmable infrastructure and automation, monitoring must also consider configuration status and compliance with established standards. Configuration monitoring and automation tools, often referred to as GitOps, can track infrastructure changes and detect potential deviations from a defined target state.

What are the most important trends in IT infrastructure development?

IT infrastructure is currently undergoing a profound transformation driven by several key technology trends. Edge computing is gaining prominence with the growing need to process data closer to its source. Edge solutions are particularly relevant in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and applications requiring minimal latency, such as autonomous systems and augmented reality. According to IDC analysis, by 2025, 75% of data will be processed outside traditional data centers.

Infrastructure automation and orchestration takes the form of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and GitOps, where all infrastructure is defined and managed through source code. Tools such as Terraform, Ansible and Pulumi allow automated deployment and management of complex IT environments, significantly reducing the risk of human error and speeding up the provisioning process.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing the way IT infrastructure is managed. AIOps solutions use advanced analytics to automatically detect and resolve problems, optimize performance, and predictively maintain infrastructure. Platforms such as ServiceNow IT Operations Management and BMC Helix use AI to automate routine tasks and support decision-making processes.

Zero Trust Architecture is becoming a standard in IT infrastructure design, replacing traditional trusted zone-based security models. In this approach, every attempt to access resources requires verification, regardless of the location or network used. Implementing Zero Trust requires deep changes in infrastructure architecture, including microservices segmentation, advanced authentication systems and continuous access monitoring and verification.

How do you secure your IT infrastructure against cyber threats?

Comprehensive security of IT infrastructure requires a multi-layered approach to security, in line with the concept of defense in depth. The foundation is proper network segmentation, using micro-segmentation and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions. This makes it possible to isolate different parts of the infrastructure and limit the potential spread of threats. Modern NGFWv (Next Generation Firewall with virtualization) solutions allow the creation of granular security policies tailored to the specifics of different environments and applications.

Identity and access management (IAM) in a hybrid environment requires the implementation of advanced authentication and authorization mechanisms. The Zero Trust approach, where every attempt to access resources requires verification, regardless of the location or network used, is gaining popularity. The use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and privileged access management (PAM) systems that control and monitor the activities of system administrators is crucial.

Protection against advanced threats (ATP) requires the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platforms integrate data from various sources – endpoints, networks, the cloud – enabling detection of complex attacks and automated response to threats. According to IBM’s “Cost of a Data Breach 2023” report, organizations using advanced security analytics reduce the average time to detect and contain an incident (MTTD/MTTR) by more than 60%.

Data protection, both at rest and in motion, is also an important part of the security strategy. This requires the implementation of advanced encryption solutions, including application-level encryption, database encryption and network communications. Of particular importance is cryptographic key management (KMS) in a distributed environment, where it is necessary to ensure the secure storage and rotation of keys across different platforms and locations.

How to plan for IT infrastructure scalability?

IT infrastructure scalability planning requires a comprehensive understanding of an organization’s current and future needs. The basis is to properly design an architecture that will enable both horizontal scaling (adding new instances) and vertical scaling (increasing the power of existing resources). In a hybrid environment, the ability to dynamically expand local infrastructure with cloud resources through cloud bursting mechanisms becomes particularly important.

Automating scaling processes is key to effective resource management. Today’s orchestration platforms, such as Kubernetes and OpenShift, enable automatic scaling of applications based on defined performance metrics. Auto-scaling mechanisms in cloud environments allow resources to dynamically adapt to the current load, optimizing costs while maintaining the required performance.

Effective capacity planning (capacity planning) requires advanced analytical tools to model future resource requirements. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning makes it possible to accurately predict resource usage trends and plan ahead for infrastructure expansion. Analysis of usage patterns over different periods (daily, weekly, seasonal) enables optimal infrastructure sizing and efficient use of available resources.

In the context of databases and storage systems, scalability requires a specific approach that takes into account the specifics of data storage and processing. Distributed storage solutions, such as Ceph or GlusterFS, enable flexible scaling of storage system capacity and performance. In the case of databases, solutions like NewSQL and distributed SQL, which combine the scalability of NoSQL databases with the ACID guarantees of traditional relational databases, are gaining popularity.

What are the key challenges in maintaining a modern IT infrastructure?

Managing modern IT infrastructure presents organizations with a number of complex challenges. One of the biggest is ensuring consistency and security in a multi-cloud and hybrid environment. This requires not only the right tools and processes, but also new competencies for the IT team, which must efficiently navigate between different platforms and technologies. According to Flexera’s research, more than 80% of organizations use more than one public cloud, which significantly increases the complexity of the environment.

Another major challenge is cost management, especially in the context of cloud services. The dynamic nature of cloud environments requires constant monitoring of expenses and optimization of resource utilization. Organizations need to implement FinOps processes that combine financial and operational aspects to effectively control costs while remaining flexible and innovative.

The growing complexity of infrastructure also requires new approaches to monitoring and performance management. Traditional monitoring tools are often not sufficient in a distributed environment where applications and data move between different platforms and locations. It is necessary to implement advanced observability solutions that provide a complete view of infrastructure and application performance.

Ensuring regulatory compliance and managing risk is another major challenge, especially in the context of global data protection regulations. Organizations need to ensure that their infrastructure meets the requirements of regulations such as RODO or industry standards, regardless of the location of the data and the technology platforms used.

How to optimize IT infrastructure costs?

Optimizing IT infrastructure costs requires a strategic approach that combines technical and business aspects. The foundation is a thorough understanding of the cost structure, including not only direct expenses for hardware and software, but also operational costs related to power, cooling, personnel maintenance and licenses. In a hybrid environment, the ability to balance investments in on-premises infrastructure with the use of cloud services is particularly important.

Effective management of cloud resources requires implementation of FinOps practices that combine financial and operational aspects. Monitoring resource utilization and implementing mechanisms to automatically shut down unused instances is key. Organizations should also take advantage of purchasing models offered by cloud providers, such as reserved instances or savings plans, which can significantly reduce costs for long-term resource utilization.

Virtualization and containerization are powerful tools for cost optimization, enabling better use of available hardware resources. Technologies such as VMware vSphere and Kubernetes allow dynamic resource management and allocation of resources where they are needed most. According to Gartner analysis, effective implementation of containerization can lead to infrastructure cost reductions of up to 40% by making better use of available resources.

Automating operational processes not only increases efficiency, but also significantly reduces the costs associated with manual infrastructure management. Implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and DevOps process automation solutions reduces the time spent on routine administrative tasks, while minimizing the risk of human error. Standardizing and automating processes also leads to more predictable operating costs.

How does automation support IT infrastructure management?

Automation has become a key element in the management of modern IT infrastructure, significantly affecting the operational efficiency and reliability of systems. The primary tool is Infrastructure as Code (IaC), where all infrastructure is defined and managed through source code. Tools such as Terraform, Ansible and Pulumi allow infrastructure to be defined declaratively, ensuring repeatable and consistent deployments across different environments.

GitOps extends the IaC concept by introducing continuous delivery practices into infrastructure management. In this approach, the Git repository becomes the single source of truth for the entire infrastructure configuration, and automated processes ensure that the actual state is synchronized with the defined state. Platforms such as ArgoCD and Flux automate the process of deploying changes, while ensuring full auditability and the ability to quickly roll back to previous versions.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing the way infrastructure is managed through AIOps solutions. These platforms automate problem detection and resolution, performance optimization, and predictive maintenance of infrastructure. By analyzing patterns in operational data, potential problems can be identified in advance and corrective actions can be taken automatically before they affect systems.

Automating security processes is becoming critical in the face of a growing number of threats. Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) integrates various security tools to automate incident response and routine security tasks. Combining SOAR with SIEM solutions enables faster detection and neutralization of threats, reducing the average incident response time from hours to minutes.

Summary and recommendations for a modern IT infrastructure

Modern IT infrastructure requires a holistic approach combining technical, operational and business aspects. Adopting a cloud-smart strategy is key, where organizations consciously choose the right environment (on-premises, cloud or hybrid) for individual workloads based on analysis of business requirements, costs and regulatory compliance.

The foundation of an effective infrastructure is process automation and standardization. Organizations should invest in Infrastructure as Code solutions and orchestration platforms that not only increase operational efficiency, but also reduce the risk of errors and accelerate the implementation of changes. Equally important is the implementation of advanced monitoring and analytics tools that provide full visibility into infrastructure performance.

Security must be an integral part of the infrastructure architecture, implemented according to Zero Trust and defense-in-depth principles. Special attention must be paid to data protection and regulatory compliance, especially in distributed and multi-cloud environments. The implementation of advanced security solutions, such as SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and XDR, is becoming a standard in modern IT environments.

Success in managing a modern IT infrastructure also requires continuous development of team competencies. Organizations should invest in training and certifications, especially in the areas of cloud computing, automation, security and managing hybrid environments. According to IDC forecasts, by 2025, 90% of organizations will require a significant transformation of IT competencies to effectively manage modern infrastructure.