Your ‘Invisible infrastructure’ is the underlying technological framework and components that support and enable your various IT services to operate, but which are not directly visible. Much the same as an iceberg, there is much more to it than you first realise. It includes hardware, software, networking, and other resources that work together to ensure the functionality, security, and reliability of your IT systems.  

We’re all aware when our laptop is not working properly, but are we so conscious of our invisible infrastructure? Whilst we may experience issues caused by it, we may not know or acknowledge them – they are invisible after all! Additionally, we may NOT be having problems… but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t address our invisible infrastructure – as with our laptop, an upgrade could make a massive difference to productivity. 

Some of the components will be obvious, such as routers for example, whilst others are more complex and ‘hidden’. So, if there’s anything you’re not clear about we are here to help you manage your invisible infrastructure and can cover issues during a Technology Business Review. We can explore how long elements have been in place and determine whether improvements could be made that will improve business efficiency. 

Components of your invisible IT infrastructure could include: 

Hardware Components 

  • Servers: Physical or virtual machines that host applications, websites, and data. 
  • Networking Equipment: Routers, switches, and other devices that facilitate communication between different parts of a network. 
  • Storage: Systems for data storage, such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and storage area networks (SANs). 

Software Infrastructure

  • Operating Systems: The foundational software that manages hardware resources and provides services to other software applications. 
  • Middleware: Software that acts as an intermediary between different applications, facilitating communication and data exchange. 
  • Database Management Systems (DBMS): Software for managing and organising databases. 

Networking Infrastructure

  • Internet Protocols: The suite of protocols that enable communication over the Internet. 
  • Firewalls and Security: Devices that protect networks from unauthorised access and cyber threats. 

 Cloud Infrastructure

  • Cloud Servers: Virtual servers provided by cloud service providers to host applications and data. 
  • Storage Services: Cloud-based storage solutions for data backup, archiving, and retrieval. 
  • Networking Services: Cloud-based networking resources and services. 

Monitoring and Management Tools

  • Systems for monitoring the performance and health of IT infrastructure. 
  • Configuration Management Tools: Software for automating the configuration and deployment of infrastructure components. 

Security Infrastructure

  • Authentication Systems: Mechanisms for verifying the identity of users and devices. 
  • Encryption: Techniques for securing data during transmission and storage. 
  • Security Policies and Protocols: Frameworks and rules to ensure the security of IT systems. 

Invisible infrastructure is critical for the functioning of IT systems, but it often operates in the background, hidden from end-users. It is the foundation that supports the visible and user-facing aspects of technology. The term highlights the essential role that these underlying components play in delivering reliable, scalable, and secure IT services. So, if you need help ensuring yours is working as well as it possibly can be, get in touch. 

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