Infrastructure Components

Infrastructure components
The IT infrastructure consists of three broad categories:1. Hardware 2. Software 3. Networks. Hardware constitutes the computing equipment that is based on semi-conductor technology. Software are set of instructions. Networks consists of combination of hardware and software whose main components is to move data.

Hardware-Processors
Processor is principally responsible for doing all the computing and controlling other computer parts. It is made up of silicon and large number of transistors. A modern processor consists of millions of gates that perform the essential components of the computer. The processors also have essential components known as registers that act as storage devices that temporarily hold data needed for computation. The gates read the data from the registers do the computations and return the answers back to the registers. The work in a processor is done in machine cycles. Each cycle consists of two parts: 1.Instruction Cycle 2. Execution cycle

 In instruction cycle, the data and instructions are fetched from external memory and decoded for running them through the gates. This step reads data and instructions in the form of ones and zeroes from the external memory that is associated with all processors. CPU consists of Control unit, ALU and the registers. The bus is the pathway for transferring data around the computer.

 The second cycle, the instructions and data are fed through the gates and the results are stored back in registers. The instructions that are acted upon could be related to transferring data, arithmetic operations such as addition. Multiplication. Once a cycle is complete the processor immediately starts another. There are different designs of CPUs Sometimes CPU doesnt have anything to process then it results in the CPU running empty cycles.

 Designers often address the problem of latency by using a Cache memory. Cache miss and cache hit Some Processors are known as complex instruction set computing chips which have a large number of circuits that are dedicated to certain kinds of tasks. Smaller set of instructions called RISC that allows same circuits to be used repeatedly. Along with the processor a computer consists of main memory(RAM) and a board on which these are located called motherboard. A Central pathway is used on which data travels called the bus and secondary storage device called hard disk.

The Computer
It can be Desktops, Laptops, Servers and Hand-held devices. Desktop is a personal computer that comes with a suitcase size casing consists all the components that a computer needs. Laptops are compact personal computers of smaller size than desktops. Servers are used to provide applications to the entire organisation across the networks.

RAM
It is volatile memory. It is able to retain its contents as long as there is power supply. Volatile memory is faster and can change its contents quite rapidly. RAM speed is the indication of how fast the memory device is able to read or change its contents. RAM speeds are measured in nano seconds.

The Board and the Bus

The board on which CPU, RAM and other components are placed is called Mother board The motherboard uses the bus as a central pathway for data to travel and through which the various components could interact.

Secondary Storage
It is of two types: Fixed storage and Removable storage It can be hard disk, floppy disk , compact disk, flash memory. Tape drives etc.

Peripherals
Monitors that use monochrome cathode ray tube to high density flat panel light emitting diode display. The latest trend is of touch sensitive screens. Mouse and keyboard use stable technologies. Printers have evolved. Almost all peripherals are connected via Universal Serial Bus.

Hand-Held computers
Hand-held computers are made of a processor and memory that are mounted on a small board with provision for connectors and a device for interaction. This device is touch screen that allows ser to type in and tap information and see output. These are used by fixed personnel in organisation such as hospitals, armed forces where data is related to field conditions.

Infrastructure Components: Software

Software is a set of instructions that run hardware Software was a integral part of the hardware as the instructions were burnt into the hardware. The Software that controls the functioning of the processor and peripheral devices is called operating System. The OS boots up the computer and takes control of all the components.

Operating system
The operating system controls all the hardware in computers. A typical OS manages the work given to the processor, including scheduling of tasks and giving them priorities. Another task of OS is to manage RAM. It manages the memory space by loading and unloading programs. This keeps track of the available memory, the tasks has to be loaded, how much space it will take and what tasks need to be removed.

 It also manages and runs the drivers for all the peripheral hardware. The OS also manages a user interface which is graphical in most modern OS. GUI use a window as dominant theme to allow the ser to interact with system. Most GUI allows user to configure the windows. OS also allows the user to interact and control components with commands in a console.

 The OS also runs the software that allows computer to connect to others on the network The Os runs the drivers for hardware responsible for connectivity known as NICs. OS also manages the user accounts. OS also helps to set password and provide security to the computer. You can also set passwords for installing anything on your computer. OS are: Linux, Windows, MacOS ,Solaris(UNIX)

Application Software
Application software allows users to use their computer to do their work. Application software are designed for a particular operating system and uses the facilities provided by it. For example: Word will run on windows as it has been designed for Windows.

 Application software can be 1. Databases 2. Enterprise Software 3. Office Productivity 4. Utilities 5. Networking 6. Multimedia Software 7. Software Development 8. Games/Entertainment 9. Embedded software

Networks
Networks consists of hardware and software components that enable organizations to create communication links both internally and externally. Organisations have built their own infrastructure by assembling hardware, software ad network components and with few exceptions. The Problems faced in networks are:-

 Problem of interoperability between technology A, B and C if B and C are upgraded. Often technologies simply do not evolve further as has happened with some operating systems. Problems of managing many vendors and ensuring that they works together. IT presents a challenge to accountants to identify its residual value or current value.

Cloud Computing
Most organisations have adequate connectivity to the internet that is both reliable and of sufficient capacity. The solution suggests moving all organisational computing to services available through internet. Example is Zoho Office Cloud computing frees the client organisation from maintaining an infrastructure of servers and applications.

Virtualization
Virtual Server is a technology that looses the tight coupling between hardware and OS. Virtualisation allows a better and more efficient utilisation of server. It also looks for load balancing in terms of resources and applications. Virtualisation also allows org to consolidate many different servers into one virtual sever making it easier to manage.

Enterprise Systems
These are a class of systems tat allows multiple possible applications to be run in a centralised, coordinated manner

IT Outsourcing
Process of contracting out the management of computing resources of an organisations. It came into picture in 1990s as many firms started using IT companies for managing there IS and IT infrastructure. Organisations do not have sufficient capabilities for building a system or managing IT infrastructure

 The cost of managing a function internally is higher that outsourcing. IT management is often regarded as a staff function which is not major activity of organisation. Organisations often choose to focus on their activities which may be manufacturing or service.

Outsourcing Models
Time and Materials Exchange Based Cloud Based Joint Ventures.