Traditional IT infrastructure comprises an array of components that are selected, configured, implemented and managed on a box-by-box basis. It requires an IT staff with expertise across servers, storage and networking technologies. Maintenance is largely a manual process, and change tends to be complex and slow.
That model can create bottlenecks in today’s dynamic business environment. Organizations need the flexibility to respond to changing customer demands and new market opportunities. They need the ability to scale the environment up or down as requirements change. They need an environment that is cost-efficient and easy to manage.
Those are the characteristics of next-gen IT infrastructure. It incorporates technologies such as hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and reduce costs. It is highly automated and flexible to support changing business needs.
Many IT solutions are called “next-gen,” but next-gen IT infrastructure isn’t a product. It’s a new approach that fundamentally alters IT operating models and workflows. Let’s take a closer look at its features.
Components of Next-Gen IT Infrastructure
Cloud computing is a core component of next-gen IT infrastructure. Many organizations have adopted a hybrid cloud strategy, giving them the flexibility to use both on-premises and cloud resources to best meet business and IT needs. Next-gen IT infrastructure incorporates HCI for dynamic provisioning, seamless scalability and the ability to manage a single pool of shared resources.
Automation is another key feature of next-gen IT infrastructure. By automating tasks such as provisioning, scaling and maintenance, IT teams can minimize manual intervention. Automation also increases speed and accuracy and allows for more uniform, reliable processes.
AI and machine learning allow for smarter automation while optimizing performance and enhancing decision-making. Software-defined technologies provide centralized, programmable management and greater control. Containerization allows for streamlined packaging and deployment of applications and more efficient use of compute resources.
Benefits of Next-Gen IT Infrastructure
Many organizations implement next-gen IT infrastructure to reduce costs. The hybrid cloud model can enable them to reduce investments in onsite infrastructure while also keeping some workloads on-premises for greater performance, security and control. Virtualization and containerization help reduce the hardware footprint, while automation optimizes resource utilization and enables greater operational efficiency. In short, IT teams are able to do more with less, which can result in cost savings.
However, the greatest benefits of next-gen IT infrastructure are increased agility and flexibility. Organizations can deploy and scale resources quickly for faster deployment of new applications and services. This enables them to adapt to changing business requirements and market conditions.
Next-gen IT infrastructure is also about implementing platforms in a secure and compliant manner. The latest solutions incorporate advanced security measures to protect systems and data. Automation also enables faster detection and remediation of security threats.
Overcoming Potential Pitfalls
That said, next-gen IT infrastructure can increase security risks. Protecting against ransomware and other attacks can be more difficult as the IT environment becomes more complex and interconnected. Additionally, AI and other advanced technologies increase the volume and velocity of data, making it harder to prevent data breaches.
Many organizations have legacy systems that may not be compatible with new technologies. Integrating new technologies with these systems can cause compatibility issues and workflow interruptions. Organizations may also struggle to find and retain IT professionals with the skills to manage and maintain next-gen IT infrastructures. While automation can streamline processes and improve efficiency, it also requires careful planning and implementation to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure smooth operation.
The Verteks team has helped organizations of all sizes and in a wide range of industries take advantage of next-gen IT infrastructure to improve their operations. Let us help you create an IT environment with the flexibility, scalability and manageability to enable competitive advantages.
