Create an ICT infrastructure for the future with these 7 points

What is an ICT infrastructure?

Before we consider what is needed to make an ICT infrastructure future-proof, it is good to get a clear picture of what exactly an ICT infrastructure is and what components and elements it consists of. 

An ICT infrastructure is the totality of IT facilities that you need to run and support all your business processes. Think of it as a digital version of a physical infrastructure that consists of digital highways for guiding data traffic, data repositories and digital hubs that ensure that information flows smoothly from A to B. Managing and securing hardware, software and data is also part of the ICT infrastructure.

An ICT infrastructure consists of the following components:

Hardware
Hardware includes all the physical components and devices responsible for maintaining and using the IT infrastructure. Examples include computers, servers, routers, cables and printers. In the cloud, it is also possible to use virtualised hardware. This is then no longer physically located on the organisation’s premises.

Software
Software forms the second layer of the ICT infrastructure. Software runs on hardware and is a central and indispensable element for all IT operations within an organisation. The applications we work with every day and the operating systems that run on laptops and desktops are examples of software that is crucial for a good and future-proof ICT infrastructure.

Network
The network connects all hardware and software components and creates a well-functioning whole. A network consists of various connectivity solutions, network applications (firewalls, routers, switches) and application interfaces.

Data centre
In a virtualised infrastructure, the physical hardware is usually located in a data centre. More and more organisations are opting for data as a service (DaaS), which means that a data centre takes care of everything for an organisation when it comes to setting up and managing the ICT infrastructure. IaaS, a model in which you purchase an ICT infrastructure in virtual form from a supplier, is also gaining popularity.

1. Map out what your ICT infrastructure consists of

Perfecting your ICT infrastructure and making it future-proof starts with creating an overview. Essentially, the ICT infrastructure includes all the ICT components that are connected to each other within your organisation, such as servers, hardware and networks. Understanding your organisation’s IT infrastructure gives you control over all the components used in your organisation’s business processes.  

This allows you to make a better technical and strategic assessment of the impact that any adjustments to the ICT infrastructure will have. In addition, a good overview identifies weak spots and vulnerabilities. This gives you a good idea of the opportunities that exist for infrastructure improvements.

2. Know where you want to go

Your IT infrastructure must be aligned with the company's overall strategy. To achieve the right match, it is essential to understand how business processes connect to the underlying ICT infrastructure, but also how a change in infrastructure will affect these processes. This means that there must always be good communication between business and IT stakeholders.

3. Ensure good connectivity

Good connectivity is vital for every organisation. Day-to-day operations and business continuity depend on a reliable and powerful internet connection. The ability to access the internet is almost as important as breathing in today’s industrialised world.  

A redundant fibre-optic connection ensures optimal connectivity under all circumstances. Business fibre optic is a lot faster and provides more bandwidth than other types of internet connections. By opting for a fully redundant fibre-optic connection, where there is geographical separation between the two connections, you avoid the risk of a single point of failure and are optimally protected against the risk of network interruptions.

4. Keep using wired connections

Wireless connections are convenient. You no longer have to deal with cables, you can easily move devices around and connect many types of devices to a wireless network. However, from a business continuity perspective, wireless isn't always the best choice. Some activities require a powerful, fixed connection that can send data quickly and securely from one point to another. 

5. Optimise infrastructure with artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is booming. The technology is constantly evolving and is quickly finding its way into more and more different industries and applications. AI also offers interesting opportunities in the field of ICT infrastructure. For example, it is now possible to create a self-learning ICT infrastructure.

Are you experiencing a peak-load situation in which you have to send large amounts of (heavy) data in a short period of time? A self-learning infrastructure is able to automatically adjust the bandwidth to the current demand. When things calm down again, this type of ICT infrastructure automatically scales the bandwidth back down. 

6. Streamline data traffic with edge computing

Edge computing is another technology that is on the rise. Edge computing makes it possible to process data closer to the data source. The big advantage? You streamline data traffic to and from your organisation. Data processing takes place faster because the hardware or an (IoT) device nearby carries out the process itself.  

This minimises latency (delay in data transfer). It also reduces the load on the network, because the system no longer processes the data at the data centre, but at the source itself. Edge computing also reduces the risk of security incidents, as data no longer goes to a single central location within the network for processing. 

7. Choose an ICT infrastructure in the cloud

Organisations need optimal availability of their systems and applications. They also want flexibility, especially when it comes to scaling resources and capacity up and down based on current and changing needs. In such cases, it is wise to opt for an ICT infrastructure in the cloud.  

In addition, with cloud infrastructure, you no longer need to invest in physical hardware, or only very little, and you can leave a large part of the management (backups, updates, security) to specialised service providers and security specialists. An ICT infrastructure in the cloud also offers plenty of interesting opportunities for automating IT tasks. You can also choose from different cloud models. A hybrid setup, where part of the infrastructure is in the cloud and part is on-premises, is also an option.

Outsourcing ICT infrastructure? Eurofiber can help.

Setting up and managing a future-proof ICT infrastructure can be a complex task that requires a considerable amount of specialised IT knowledge. Outsourcing the ICT infrastructure is often a good idea, especially for organisations that are not particularly tech-savvy. 

But of course you want to work with a partner who knows the ropes and has the knowledge and solutions to build the ICT infrastructure of the future together with you. Eurofiber is that partner. What can you expect from us? 

• The best connectivity and reliable and fast business internet via our high-quality fibre-optic network. Browsing and working efficiently and without long loading times, delays or buffering becomes the norm.
• A proprietary IaaS platform. This provides a secure virtual data centre environment based on high-quality infrastructure. Ideal for hosting business applications or setting up a complex IT environment.
• CloudHub, a hybrid, multicloud-ready platform that we offer as a fully managed service.