IT infrastructure forms the backbone of every organization, regardless of size or industry. From small startups to multinational corporations, efficient IT infrastructure is essential for seamless operations, data security and competitiveness in the market. Yet a recent survey showed 60% of IT leaders say the performance of their IT infrastructure is keeping them up at night.
To improve the reliability of their IT systems, organizations can turn to IT infrastructure management services. These services play a pivotal role in optimizing and maintaining an organization’s IT environment.
Organizations can turn to IT infrastructure management services to improve the reliability of their IT systems. These services are pivotal in optimizing and maintaining an organization’s IT environment.
This article explores how outsourcing to a managed infrastructure services provider allows IT leaders to improve how they handle daily operations.
The High Costs of Infrastructure Downtime
Business News Daily says, “Your employees can’t work if your technology isn’t working.” When an IT network goes dark, end-user services stop cold. It’s a sobering thought for any corporate executive, IT leader or business owner. There are times of planned network outages for significant upgrades, for example. But it’s the unplanned outages that can really cost an organization:
- Lost revenues
- Recovery costs
- Data loss
- Reputational damage
- Customer refunds
- Regulatory penalties
- Lost productivity
- Opportunity costs
- Customer churn
Atlassian suggests the financial impact of major infrastructure down time is $5,600 per minute. That data came from a 2014 study by Gartner. A 2016 study by the Ponemon Institute said it was more like $9,000 per minute.
Fast forward to 2023, when entire businesses are built around IT infrastructures. Surely the cost of IT downtime is much higher now.
Understanding IT Infrastructure Management Services
Modern IT infrastructure management services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at overseeing and optimizing an organization’s IT assets. These assets include hardware, software, networks, data centers, cloud resources and more.
The primary goal of IT infrastructure management services is to ensure that these components operate efficiently, securely and in alignment with an organization’s business objectives.
Components of IT Infrastructure Management Services
While every managed infrastructure services provider is different, some of the key services these outsourcing firms offer include:
- Server management: This involves installing, configuring, monitoring and maintaining servers, ensuring they run smoothly to support business applications and processes. It also includes capacity planning to accommodate future growth.
- Network management: Handling network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls and VPNs, for seamless connectivity, data transfer and protection against security threats. Network management also involves troubleshooting and optimizing network performance.
- Storage management: Dealing with data storage solutions, such as storage area networks (SANs) and network-attached storage (NAS). It includes data backup, disaster recovery planning and ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
- Database management: Databases are essential for storing and managing critical business information. Database management services involve installation, configuration, maintenance, performance tuning and cybersecurity.
- Security management: IT infrastructure managed services prioritize cybersecurity. This service includes implementing security policies, monitoring for vulnerabilities and threats and taking proactive measures to safeguard the organization’s IT assets and data.
- Cloud management: As cloud computing becomes increasingly prevalent, managing these resources is vital. IT infrastructure management providers help organizations with cloud adoption, migration and ongoing management of cloud infrastructure.
- End-user support: This component focuses on providing technical support to end-users. It includes helpdesk services, troubleshooting user issues and ensuring that employees can work seamlessly without IT disruptions.
- Monitoring and reporting: Continuous IT infrastructure monitoring is critical to managed infrastructure services. It involves real-time tracking of performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks or issues and generating reports for analysis and decision-making.
Benefits of IT Infrastructure Management Services
Most IT leaders measure the success of their IT infrastructures by tracking:
- Increased efficiency (71%)
- Optimized resources (67%)
- Reduced risk (63%)
These also offer benchmarks to measure the success of your IT infrastructure managed services firm. There are, however, some generally accepted benefits of leveraging these providers, from saving money on internal staff to freeing up the teams you do have to focus on something other than a network trouble ticket.
Some of the benefits of IT infrastructure management include:
- Enhanced efficiency: Efficient IT infrastructure management minimizes downtime, enhancing overall productivity by reducing disruptions to business operations.
- Cost savings: Managed infrastructure services can help organizations optimize IT spending. Service providers can help reduce unnecessary expenses across the enterprise by monitoring resource utilization and suggesting cost-effective solutions.
- Scalability: As organizations grow, their IT needs also evolve. IT infrastructure management services can adapt to changing requirements by scaling resources as necessary, ensuring that IT infrastructure aligns with your business growth.
- Security: Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern in the digital landscape. IT infrastructure management services include security monitoring and threat detection, helping organizations protect their sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Expertise: The latest predictions show a global shortage of four million developers by 2025. Managed service providers (MSPs) bring specialized knowledge and experience. They can handle complex tasks such as data backup, disaster recovery planning and software updates, allowing internal IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
- 24/7 monitoring and support: Many IT infrastructure management services provide round-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed, even outside regular business hours. This 365-day-a-year effort can also include a help desk service to assist end-users, whether customers or employees.
Challenges of IT Infrastructure Management Services
While IT infrastructure management services offer numerous advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges that organizations need to address:
- Vendor selection: Choosing the right managed service provider is crucial. Organizations must conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure the selected provider meets their specific needs and objectives.
- Data privacy and security: Trusting a third-party provider with access to sensitive data requires robust security measures and strict compliance standards to safeguard against data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Integration complexity: Integrating managed infrastructure services with existing IT systems and processes can be challenging. Proper planning and coordination are necessary to avoid disruptions during the transition.
- Cost management: While IT infrastructure management services can save costs in the long run, it’s essential to carefully manage the expenses associated with these services. Organizations should clearly understand the pricing model and any potential additional charges.
- Communication and collaboration: Effective communication between the organization and the managed infrastructure services provider is crucial for success. Establish clear lines of communication and collaborative processes to resolve issues and implement changes efficiently.
- Vendor lock-in: Organizations may become overly reliant on their managed service provider, leading to vendor lock-in. Maintaining flexibility and considering exit strategies is essential to avoid dependency on a single provider.
What to Look for in an IT Infrastructure Management Firm
Selecting an IT infrastructure managed service firm is a critical decision for any organization, as it can significantly impact your IT operations’ efficiency, security and overall effectiveness. To make an informed choice, here are vital factors to consider when evaluating potential outsourced providers.
- Expertise and experience: Start by assessing the provider’s track record in managing IT infrastructures for other firms of a similar size. Look for an organization with proven credentials in your industry. Experienced providers are more likely to have encountered a wide range of IT challenges and developed effective solutions to solve them.
- Services portfolio: Examine the range of services the managed infrastructure services firm offers. Ensure that their service portfolio aligns with your specific needs. Critical services may include server management, network monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud management, database administration and end-user support. A comprehensive portfolio allows you to address various aspects of your IT infrastructure from a single provider.
- Scalability: Consider your organization’s growth potential and whether the provider can scale their services. Your infrastructure needs may evolve, so it’s crucial to partner with a firm that can accommodate these changes seamlessly.
- Security measures: Security is paramount in IT infrastructure management. Inquire about the provider’s security protocols, compliance standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA or industry-specific regulations) and their track record in safeguarding client data. Ensure they have robust measures to protect against cyber threats and data breaches.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): SLAs define the terms and expectations of the services provided. Review the SLAs offered by the IT infrastructure management company carefully. Pay attention to response times, uptime guarantees and penalties for non-compliance. SLAs should align with your business’s objectives and requirements.
- Monitoring and reporting capabilities: Effective infrastructure management relies on continuous monitoring and reporting. Ensure the provider can offer real-time monitoring of your IT environment and provide comprehensive reports on system performance, security incidents and other key metrics. This data is crucial for making informed decisions and identifying improvement areas.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity: Inquire about the managed service provider’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans. They should have well-defined strategies and procedures to ensure data recovery and minimal downtime in the event of a disaster or system failure.
- Technology partnerships and tools: A reputable managed infrastructure services firm often partners with leading technology vendors and utilizes cutting-edge tools and solutions. These arrangements ensure your IT infrastructure benefits from the latest advancements in technology. Ask about their affiliations and the tools they use to manage and secure your systems.
- References and case studies: Request references and case studies from the consultant to understand their past performance and client satisfaction levels. Speaking with their existing clients can provide valuable insights into their capabilities and customer service.
- Cost transparency: Clearly understand the pricing structure and any additional costs associated with the services. Ensure there are no hidden fees or unexpected expenses. A transparent pricing model helps you budget effectively.
- Compliance and regulatory knowledge: If your organization operates in a regulated industry, such as healthcare or finance, the firm should have expertise in compliance with relevant regulations. They should be capable of helping you meet compliance requirements and handle audits effectively.
- Support and communication: Evaluate the provider’s support capabilities, including the availability of 24/7 support, communication channels and responsiveness. Efficient communication is essential for addressing issues promptly.
- Client-centric approach: Choose an IT infrastructure management firm that focuses on your unique needs and tailors their services accordingly. They should be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization.
Best Practices in IT Infrastructure Management Services
To maximize the benefits and mitigate challenges associated with IT infrastructure management services, organizations should follow these best practices:
- Set clear objectives: Define specific goals and expectations for the managed infrastructure services. A clear roadmap helps align the provider’s efforts with the organization’s strategic vision.
- Regular monitoring and reporting: Stay informed about the performance of your IT infrastructure through monitoring and reporting from the service provider. This service facilitates proactive issue resolution and optimization.
- Continuous improvement: IT infrastructure management is an ongoing process. Regularly assess and update your infrastructure to incorporate new technologies and best practices.
- Security first: Prioritize security at all levels of IT infrastructure management. Regular security audits, compliance checks and employee training are essential to a robust security strategy.
- Vendor relationship management: Maintain a healthy relationship with your managed service provider. Open communication, mutual understanding and periodic reviews can align both parties toward common goals.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity: Develop and regularly test disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure your IT infrastructure can withstand unexpected disruptions.
Red River for IT Infrastructure Management
Red River specializes in IT infrastructure management services to support your core business initiatives. With a 25-year track record, our organization works with enterprise to midmarket businesses to do much more than “keep the lights on.” Our managed IT services empower organizations to maintain a competitive edge by enhancing the complex landscape of your modern IT systems. By leveraging the expertise of our experienced engineering and cybersecurity team, organizations can focus on their core competencies while ensuring the reliability, security and scalability of their IT infrastructure.
To harness the full potential of your IT infrastructure, contact Red River.
Q&A
What is the role of an IT infrastructure manager?
An IT infrastructure manager oversees an organization’s IT systems’ design, implementation and maintenance. Their role includes ensuring network reliability, data security and efficient utilization of hardware and software. They manage IT teams, budgets and projects, aligning technology with business goals to optimize operations and support growth.
What are the three components of an IT infrastructure?
The three parts of an IT architecture include hardware, software and network components.
