Unit 1.1: Technology Infrastructure

🔹 Technology Infrastructure – Notes

Definition

  • Technology infrastructure = foundational systems that support computing and connectivity

  • Includes hardware, software, networks, databases, cloud, people, and processes

  • Enables data storage, processing, and communication

🔹 Types of Infrastructure

On-Premises Infrastructure

  • Physical hardware located within the organization

  • Examples: PCs, servers, data centers

Pros:

  • Full control over systems and security

  • Internal data management

Cons:

  • High upfront cost

  • Requires maintenance and IT staff

Cloud Infrastructure

  • Remote computing resources accessed via the internet

  • Examples: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

Pros:

  • Easy scalability (expand/shrink resources quickly)

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Accessible from anywhere

Cons:

  • Requires internet connection

  • Shared security responsibility

🔹 Key Difference (IMPORTANT)

  • Traditional (On-Prem) = control + responsibility

  • Cloud = flexibility + scalability

🔹 Components of Technology Infrastructure

1. People

  • IT professionals and users

  • Manage and operate systems

2. Processes

  • Procedures and rules

  • Ensure efficiency and security

3. Hardware

  • Physical devices (computers, servers, routers)

4. Software

  • Programs and applications

  • Tell hardware what to do

5. Networks

  • Connect devices and systems

  • Enable communication and data sharing

6. Databases

  • Store and organize data

  • Allow fast retrieval and management

7. Cloud

  • Remote systems for storage and computing

  • Provides flexibility and scalability

🔹 Traditional vs Cloud Comparison

Traditional Infrastructure

  • On-site servers

  • Requires physical hardware

  • Limited scalability

  • IT team manages maintenance

  • Access via local network or VPN

  • Full internal security control

Cloud Infrastructure

  • Hosted remotely

  • Uses virtualized resources

  • Highly scalable

  • Vendor handles maintenance

  • Accessible anywhere with internet

  • Shared security responsibility

🔹 Key Concepts to Remember

  • Infrastructure = foundation of IT systems

  • All components work together to move and manage data

  • Data flows through hardware and software

  • Networks and cloud enable communication and storage

  • Infrastructure decisions impact cost, performance, and security

🔹 Common Test Points

  • Cloud advantage = scalability

  • Cloud reduces need for physical hardware

  • Traditional requires internal maintenance

  • Cloud uses vendor-managed systems

  • Cloud is accessible from anywhere

🔹 Fill-in-the-Blank

  • Users access appliCloud services do not require physical hardware on-sitecations called software