Managing IT Infrastructure Issues and Challenges

IT InfrastructureHardware and systems integrationProprietary system vs open systemStorageSoftware (systems and applications)Tailor made vs off-the-shelfData ManagementCentralized Vs decentralizedNetworks and ConnectivityBroadband connection

Recent IT TrendsComputer Hardware: Faster, Cheaper, MobileComputers have become smaller and fasterHardware prices have droppedTrend over time is for more mobile computers

Recent IT TrendsComputer Software: Custom and Prewritten, Standardized and Integrated

Current Issues on IT InfrastructureMerging the whole range of automation processesAging infrastructureManaging global telecommunicationManaging the IT legacy (storage capacity)Managing Total Costs of Ownership (Capex and Opex)Disaster recovery (business continuity)

Kompleksitas Infrastruktur TIAda keragaman aplikasi sistem informasiAplikasi sistem informasi selalu berubahInteraksi dengan beberapa vendor seringkali membutuhkan non-technical skillsModel pengembangan: in-house, outsource atau kombinasi.

Strategi Pengembangan Infrastruktur TIMembeli aplikasi: ada kelebihan dan kelemahan membeli sistem dengan pola turnkey approachLease: application system provider (ASP) Pengembangan internal (insourcing):

What Managers Need to Know?Requirement analysis: hardware, software, data, networks Modelling: data, process, inter-processModular and Component-based developmentLevel of Integration on Enterprise Applications

Flexible IT Infrastructure and Competitive Advantages Research NotesData transparency CompatibilityApplication functionalityConnectivityTechnical skillsBoundary skillsTechnology management

Source: Byrd and Turner, 2001

The Evolution of IT InfrastructureEra 1: The Mainframe Era (1950-1970s)Era 2: Microcomputer Era (1970-1980s)Era 3: Distributed Era (1980- 1990s)Era 4: New Millenium Era (1990-present)The Major Characteristics on Each Era:IT ParadigmInformation ManagementCommunication ManagementTools and interfacesStructure and controls

The Mainframe EraIT Paradigm:Dominant Technology: mainframe -centralized intelligenceOrganization metaphor: HierarchyPrimary IT role: Automate existing processLocation of use: Computer roomJustification: Return on Investment (ROI)

The Mainframe EraInformation Management:Information level: DataInformation model: Application specificInformation storage: Application specific data filesIntegration level: Computer support for data only

The Mainframe EraCommunication Management:Connection media: Thick wire coaxial cable; air (microwave)Transmission protocols: Proprietary (WAN) packet switching and circuit switchingTransmission rates: limited

The Mainframe EraTools and Interfaces:Information reporting: Paper reportsInformation analysis: Batch transaction processingInput/output devices: Keyboard and monitorApplication interface: Command-driven text

The Mainframe EraStructure and Controls:Organization structure on IT: CentralizedIT management: Centralized planning and controlIT operations: Structured Model (SDLC)IT professionals: Technical specialists

The Mainframe EraStructure and Controls:Organization structure on IT: CentralizedIT management: Centralized planning and controlIT operations: Structured Model (SDLC)IT professionals: Technical specialists

The New Millenium EraIT Paradigm:Dominant Technology: Unstructured networksOrganization metaphor: Information agePrimary IT role: Value creationLocation of use: EveryoneJustification: Value creation

The New Millenium EraInformation Management:Information level: KnowledgeInformation model: Knowledge-drivenInformation storage: Hypertext and Object OrientedIntegration level: Integrated support for all information class

Managerial ChallengesLoss of management control over systemsDistributed client/server networks, new mobile wireless networks, and Internet-based computing have empowered end-users to become independent source of computing power.Flexibility of IT infrastructure becomes necessary condition.

Managerial ChallengesConnectivity and Application IntegrationIT-based organizations depend on their business processes and applications so that they can obtain information from any point in the value chain.Organizational change requirementHiddent costs of enterprise computingScalability, Reliability, and Security.

Managerial SolutionsManaging Organzational Change dan DevelopmentEmpowering IT people: education and training Data Administration (outsourced data centers?)Planning for Connectivity and Application Integration