IT Resources
Information is created via the analysis of information. These facts may be represented by symbols such as alphabets, numerals, diagrams, graphs, photographs, and so on, and are often referred to as data. Data processing or information technology resources are required for the development of information-generation services.
These resources fall into four categories: hardware, software, data, and human resources. A manager must understand the attributes and importance of each of these resources. Such insight will assist the management not only in planning the IT infrastructure, but also in determining its cost.
Computer hardware
Computer hardware encompasses computer systems and related equipment, including communication lines required for contemporary IT installations. With the fast progress of computer hardware technology, a wide range of computers. Systems come in various sizes, speeds, and functional features.
To calculate hardware resource requirements, consider IT demands, data volume, sources, analytic complexity, and other relevant criteria. Such an evaluation should account for future changes in these parameters.
As an enterprise’s IT system evolves, its needs increase. As the IT infrastructure is utilized, employees get acquainted with the system, its applications, and advantages. As IT infrastructure use grows, new and enhanced applications are created based on feedback.
This leads to increasing strain on the IT infrastructure. It is thus important to make enough planning for such an increase in infrastructure needs. Due to the fast rate of obsolescence in the computer industry and decreasing trends in hardware costs, it is recommended to maintain the planning period for computing demands as short as feasible. Later in the book, we will address related IT infrastructure design challenges.
Software
Computer software refers to a collection of connected computer programs. The IT infrastructure relies on software to perform properly with computer hardware. Software governs what the hardware does and how it performs.
Software is therefore a critical IT resource that must be carefully picked and maintained. Because software is intangible, it is commonly overlooked while developing an IT infrastructure. Improper software selection might lead to IT infrastructure failure in achieving goals.
Unlike computer hardware, software acquisition is a gradual process that requires ongoing work for acquisition, maintenance, and improvement. A comprehensive library of well-tested software packages to fulfill an enterprise’s information demands is an invaluable resource for any IT system.
Computer software can safeguard the IT infrastructure from possible threats or malfunctions in the other three fundamental resources.
Data
Data are collections of facts or occurrences expressed symbolically, such as numerals, alphabets, images, graphs, and so on. IT infrastructure relies heavily on data capture, processing, and storage. Data serve as the foundation for information creation. Data may be obtained from both internal and external sources.
Data is supplied in many forms, with different methodologies for determining and valuing each piece. The majority of the internal data is well-structured, well defined, and comprehensive. External data has limitations in addressing these characteristics.
Integrating internal and external data is essential for producing high-quality information. Data as an IT resource is unique in that most data is collected over time. Although a number of external data sources are available off the shelf (e.g., the Internet, commercial databases), the majority of data utilized is acquired internally, which takes a long time to obtain.
Unfortunately, data stored on magnetic media is more vulnerable to physical security and privacy breaches. The high density of recording on these media, along with their vulnerability to computer hardware mishaps, necessitates the implementation of security measures.
The high recording density and rapid transferability of computer-readable data might compromise data confidentiality. Unauthorized access to data may significantly harm a business’s interests. It is critical to properly conserve and safeguard this resource.
Human Resources
The efficacy of an IT infrastructure is determined by the types of IT people accessible to it. Without skilled, honest, and dependable human resources, even the greatest computer technology, software, and data may be ruined.
Competence, honesty, and dependability are essential in every work situation. However, in IT infrastructure, it is very critical. Hardware is very delicate equipment, but software and data are intangible and frail.
IT infrastructure generates information that guides company actions, thus any flaws may be expensive. Human resources play a crucial role in the creation of information, ensuring its efficacy.
Due to a significant shortage of computer specialists, IT staff have high turnover rates. According to a poll by ‘Dataquest’ magazine, computer professionals in India have an average stay of 3.9 years and a 16% annual turnover rate.
Another poll reports an average turnover rate of 14%. According to the report, 60% of companies aim to hire more IT workers. Increased employment of information technology experts is driven by technological advances and the IT industry’s rapid expansion.
Computer experts are attracted to changing employment due to significant income increases and opportunities for knowledge advancement. As a result, it is critical to teach the necessary skills to those who utilize information systems. This eliminates the need for computer specialists to handle day-to-day system operations.
Elements of Information Systems
IT resources have a significant role in the quality of information produced by IT infrastructure, making them also known as information system components. Some authors also include processes in this list.
These procedures include operational and control processes for the utilization of IT infrastructure. Procedures play a significant role in the efficient and effective use of information resources. They also safeguard the information resource and ensure its quality.
Procedures are instructions for users to utilize IT infrastructure for daily activities and extraordinary scenarios like system breakdowns and crashes. They are considered an aspect of the information system. They also incorporate disaster recovery protocols and user access rights. These components of the information system are depicted.