MIS Chapter 2 – IT InfrastructureFullscreen Mode
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Chapter Two: IT Infrastructure, Platforms and Emerging Technologies
Learning Objectives
At the end of the chapter the learner shall be able to;
i. Define IT infrastructure and describe the components and levels of IT infrastructure.
ii. Identify and describe the stages of IT infrastructure evolution.
iii. Identify and describe the technology drivers of IT infrastructure evolution.
iv. Assess contemporary computer hardware platform trends.
v. Assess contemporary software platform trends.
vi. Evaluate the challenges of managing IT infrastructure and management solutions.
2.1 Defining I.T. Infrastructure
Information technology infrastructure is the shared technology resources that provide the platform for the firms/ organization’s specific information systems application.
A set of firm wide services budgeted by management and comprises both human and technical capabilities
The firm-wide services includes;
a) Computing platforms used to provide computing services that connect employees, customers and suppliers into a coherent digital environment, including large mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, and personal digital assistants (PDA) and internet appliances.
b) Telecommunications services that provide data, voice, and video connectivity to employees, customers, and suppliers
c) Data management services that store and manage corporate data and provide capabilities for analyzing the data.
d) Physical facilities management services that develop and manage the physical installations required for computing, telecommunications, and data management services.
e) IT management services that plan and develop the infrastructure, coordinate with the business units for IT services, manage accounting for the IT expenditure, and provide project management services.
f) IT standards services that provide the firm and its business units with policies that determine which information technology will be used, when, and how.
g) IT education services that provide training in system use to employees and offer managers training in how to plan for and manage IT investments.
h) IT research and development services that provide the firm with research on potential future IT projects and investments that could help the firm differentiate itself in the marketplace.
The Need for an IS Infrastructure
The infrastructure includes investment in hardware, software, and services such as consulting, education and training, that are shared across the entire organization or across entire business units in an organization. Investment in infrastructure account for between 25% – 35% of the information technology expenditure in large organizations. An organization’s IT infrastructure provides the foundation for serving customers, working with vendors and managing
internal business processes. Businesses rely on IS infrastructure to support business processes, decision making and competitive strategy
