Module 5 IT Infrastructure

Module 5
IT Infrastructure
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
What are the components of IT infrastructure?

What are the major computer hardware, data storage,
input, and output technologies used in organizations?
What are the major types of computer software used in
business?
What are the most important contemporary hardware
and software trends?
What are the principal issues in managing hardware
and software technology?
Defining IT Infrastructure
Includes hardware, software, and services
A set of physical devices and software
applications that are required to operate the
entire enterprise
Your MDA is largely dependent on its
infrastructure for delivering services to the
citizens, customers, employees, contractors /
consultants and suppliers.
You can think of infrastructure as digital
plumbing, but its much more than that!
IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware
Infrastructure Components
IT infrastructure: Provides platform for supporting all

information systems in the business
Computer hardware
Computer software
Data management technology
Organizes, manages, and processes business data

concerned with inventory, customers, and vendors
Networking and telecommunications technology

Technology services
E.g. consultants for systems integration with legacy

systems
IT Infrastructure Components
A firms IT infrastructure is composed of

hardware, software, data management
technology, networking technology, and
technology services.
Types of Computers
Computers come in different sizes with varying

capabilities for processing information
FLOPS (Floating point operations per second)
PDAs, handheld mobile devices
PCs
Workstation
More powerful mathematical and graphics-processing

capabilities than a PC
Types of Computers
Servers
Type of midrange computer

Support computer network, sharing files and resources
Provide hardware platform for e-commerce
Mainframes
Large-capacity, high-performance computer that can

process large amounts of data very rapidly
E.g. used by airlines for thousands of reservations per
second
Types of Computers
Supercomputer
More sophisticated computer used for tasks requiring

extremely rapid and complex calculations with
thousands of variables, millions of measurements
Used in engineering, scientific simulations,
military/weapons research, weather forecasting
Grid computing
Power of geographically remote computers connected

into single network to act as virtual supercomputer
Types of Computers
Client/server computing
Form of distributed computing

Splits processing between clients and servers
Clients: User point of entry
Servers: Store and process shared data and perform
network management activities
Types of Computers
Client/server computing (cont.)
Two-tiered client/server architecture

Uses two types of machines
Multitiered client/server architecture (N-tier)
Balances load of network over several levels of

servers
E.g. Web servers and application servers
Client/Server Computing
In client/server computing, computer

processing is split between client machines and
server machines linked by a network. Users
interface with the client machines.
A Multitiered Client/Server Network (N-Tier)
In a multitiered client/server network, client requests for service are handled by different levels of servers.
Storage, Input, and Output Technology
Primary secondary storage technologies
Magnetic disk:
Hard drives, USB flash drives
RAID: Can package hundreds of drives for massage
storage requirements (Redundant Array of
Independent Disks)
Optical disks
CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD
Magnetic tape
Storage networking: SANs
Connect multiple storage devices on a separate
high-speed network dedicated to storage
A Storage Area Network (SAN)
A typical SAN consists of a

server, storage devices, and
networking devices, and is
used strictly for storage. The
SAN stores data on many
different types of storage
devices, providing data to the
enterprise. The SAN supports
communication between any
server and the storage unit as
well as between different
storage devices in the network.
Input devices:
Gather data and convert them into electronic form
Keyboard
Computer mouse
Touch screen
Optical character recognition
Magnetic ink character recognition
Pen-based input
Digital scanner
Audio input
Sensors
Output devices:
Display data after they have been processed

Monitor
Printer
Audio output
Information systems collect and process information in

one of two ways
Batch processing: Transactions stored for predefined

amount of time, then processed as group
Online processing: Transactions processed
immediately
Contemporary Hardware Trends
Integration of computing and telecommunications

platforms
Cell phones merging with handhelds

Growth of Internet telephony
Nanotechnology
Creating computer chips and other devices thousands

of times smaller through manipulating individual
atoms, molecules
Examples of Nanotubes
Nanotubes are tiny tubes about

10,000 times thinner than a
human hair. They consist of
rolled up sheets of carbon
hexagons, have potential uses
as minuscule wires or in
ultrasmall electronic devices,
and are very powerful
conductors of electrical
current.
Edge computing
Multitier, load-balancing scheme for Web-based

applications
Significant parts of Web site content, logic, and
processing performed by smaller, less expensive
servers located nearby the user
Increases response time and resilience and lowers
technology costs.
Autonomic computing
Development of systems that can configure

themselves, heal themselves; e.g. self-updating
antivirus software
IT Infrastructure: Computer Software
Edge Computing Platform
Edge computing involves the use of the Internet to balance the processing load of enterprise platforms across the client and edge computing
platform.
Virtualization
Process of presenting a set of computing resources so

they can be accessed in ways that are unrestricted by
physical configuration or geographic location
Server virtualization: Running more than one

operating system at the same time on single machine.
Multicore processors
Integrated circuit with two or more processors
Enhanced performance, reduced power consumption

and more efficient simultaneous processing of multiple
tasks
Operating System Software
The software that manages and controls the

computers activities
PC operating systems and graphical user interfaces
GUIs
Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows
Server 2003
UNIX
Linux
Open-source software
The Major Types of Software
The relationship among the system software,

application software, and users can be
illustrated by a series of nested boxes. System
softwareconsisting of operating systems,
language translators, and utility programs
controls access to the hardware. Application
software, including programming languages
and fourth-generation languages, must work
through the system software to operate. The
user interacts primarily with the application
software.
Application Software and Desktop Productivity Tools
Application programming languages for business
COBOL
C, C++
Visual Basic: Visual programming language
Fourth-generation languages
Software tools that enable end-users to develop

software applications
Tend to be nonprocedural, may use natural
languages
Categories of Fourth-Generation Languages

Tool
Description
Example
PC software tools
General-purpose software packages for

PCs
WordPerfect
Microsoft Access
Query language
Languages for retrieving data stored in

databases or files
SQL
Report generator
Specialized tools for creating highly

customized reports
Crystal Reports
Graphics language
Display data from databases in graphic

format
SAS Graph
Systat
Application generator
Preprogrammed modules to generate

entire applications
FOCUS
Microsoft FrontPage
Application software
package
Software programs that eliminate need

for custom, in-house software
Oracle PeopleSoft HCM

mySAP ERP
Very high-level
programming language
Generate program code with fewer

instructions than conventional languages
APL
Nomad2
Application Software and Desktop Productivity Tools
Software packages and desktop

productivity tools
Word processing software

Spreadsheet software
Data management software
Presentation graphics
Software suites
Web browsers
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software organizes data into

columns and rows for analysis and
manipulation. Contemporary spreadsheet
software provides graphing abilities for a clear,
visual representation of the data in the
spreadsheets. This sample break-even analysis
is represented as numbers in a spreadsheet as
well as a line graph for easy interpretation.
Software for the Web: Java, AJAX, and HTML
Java
Operating system-independent, processorindependent, object-oriented programming

language
AJAX
Allows a client and server to exchange data

behind the scenes to avoid reloading a Web
page after each change
Hypertext markup language (HTML)
Page description language for specifying

how elements are placed on a Web page and
for creating links to other pages and objects
Interactive Session: Organizations

Will Google Take Over the Desktop?
Read the Interactive Session and then discuss

the following questions:
What are the benefits of using Google Apps?
What kinds of businesses are most likely to
benefit? What kinds are least likely to benefit?
What reasons might a business have to continue
using Microsoft Office for desktop productivity?
Search the Web for an article titled Microsoft
Office Live Vs. Google Apps For Your Domain by
Preston Gralla from September 2006. Do you
agree with the authors conclusion?
Web Services
Web services:
Software components that exchange information with each
other using universal Web communication standards and
languages
XML (extensible markup language)
SOAP (simple object access protocol)
WSDL (web services description language)
UDDI (universal description, discovery, and integration)
Service oriented architecture (SOA)
How Dollar Rent-a-Car Uses Web Services
Dollar Rent-A-Car uses Web services to

provide a standard intermediate layer of
software to talk to other companies
information systems. Dollar Rent-A-Car
can use this set of Web services to link
to other companies information systems
without having to build a separate link to
each firms systems.
Software Trends
Open Source Software

Ubuntu
Cloud Computing
Google Apps, Windows Live
Mashups
ChicagoCrime.org
Widgets
Apple Dashboard
Managing Hardware and Software Technology
Capacity planning
Process of predicting when hardware system

becomes saturated
Ensuring firm has enough computing power for

current and future needs
Factors include:
Maximum number of users

Impact of current, future software
Performance measures
Scalability: Ability of system to expand to serve large

number of users without breaking down
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model
Used to analyze direct and indirect costs to help

determine the actual cost of owning a specific
technology
Direct costs: Hardware, software purchase costs
Indirect costs: Ongoing administration costs,

upgrades, maintenance, technical support,
training, utility and real estate costs
Hidden costs: Support staff, downtime,

additional network management
TCO can be reduced through increased

centralization, standardization of hardware and
software resources
Using technology service providers
Outsourcing
Using external provider to:

Run networks
Host, manage Web site(s)
Develop software (offshore software
outsourcing)
Manage IT infrastructures
Requires Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Using technology service providers
On-demand computing (utility computing)
Firms off-loading peak demand for computing

power to remote, large-scale data processing
centers
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Firms rent software functions from Web-based

services, with users paying either on a
subscription or per-transaction basis
Managing software localization for

global business
Local language interfaces
English not typically standard at middle, lower

levels
Interfaces are complex: Menu bars, error
messages, online forms, search results, etc.
Differences in local cultures
Differences in business processes
All of these factors add to TCO of using technology service

providers
This page from the

Pearson Prentice Hall
Web site for Laudon
text books was
translated into
Chinese using
AltaVista Babel Fish
translation tools. Web
sites and software
interfaces for global
systems may have to
be translated into
multiple languages to
accommodate users in
other parts of the
world.
GIFMIS INFRASTRUCTURE
GIFMIS
Defined
OVERVIEW
The Government Integrated Financial Management
Information System (GIFMIS) is an IT based solution for
financial management and accounting that is being
implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria to
improve Public Expenditure Management processes,
enhance greater accountability and transparency across
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). GIFMIS is
designed to make use of modern information and
communication technologies to help the Government of
Nigeria to plan and use its financial resources more
efficiently and effectively.
GIFMIS INFRASTRUCTURE OVERVIEW
PERSONNEL
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
ENVIRONMENT
POWER
40
The GIFMIS Package

The GIFMIS
System
Peopleware
FGN/HP
Software
Application
Budgeting
BES & BPS
Resource
Management
Hardware
Integration
Adapters
Data Centre
Infrastructur
e
LAN/WAN
Network
Connectivity
41
POWER
GIFMIS
Defined
DATACENTER POWER CONFIGURATION

CONFIGURATION
CONTROLLER
Dual Stabilizer
Dual UPS + Dual Battery Banks
Single Load
UPS 1
UPS 2
75kVA
STABILIZER
UPS 3
UPS 4
UPS 5
STATIC SWITCH
75KVA STABILIZER
50KVA UPS B
LOAD
CONTROLLER
UPS 1
UPS 2
75kVA
STABILIZER
UPS 3
UPS 4
UPS 5
STATIC SWITCH
OBSERVATIONS
75KVA STABILIZER
43
50KVA UPS A
75kVA Stabilizer provides only 33%

headroom with each UPS running.
HOT-STANDBY configuration has load
sharing automated
Dual Stabilizer FULL REDUNDANCY
ENVIRONMENT
GIFMIS Defined
DC Environment
Cooling/H
umidity
Control
Fire
Fighting
System
DC
Surveillanc
e System
GIFMIS SOFTWARE
GIFMIS Defined
SYSTEM
Operat Applicat
ing
ion
Syste Softwar
ms
e
GIFMIS
RESOURCE
GIFMIS
BES
MANAGEMENT
GIFMIS BPS
GIFMIS
REPORTING
RedHeart Linux
Windows 2007
Windows Server 2008 R2
Databa Utilities
&
se
Others
Manag
ement
Softwar
e
HP DATA
HP NNMi
PROTECTOR
INTEGRATION
GIFMIS
SERVICE
ADAPTERS
DESK
ORACLE
PRTG
DATAGUARD
ORACLE
DATABASE
ENTERPRISE
VERSION
GIFMIS SOFTWARE SYSTEM
GIFMIS APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Budget Preparation
Budget Execution
Macro-fiscal
scenarios
Appropriations
Budget limits
planning
Contracts
Budget Draft
Preparation
Budget
Projections
Resources
HansaWorld
General Ledger
Commitments
Procurement
Management
Payments and
Revenue
Inventory
Management
Cash
Management
Investments
Projects
Integration
Adapters
Banks
Financial Assets
management
State Registries
Assets
Management
Revenue
Administrators
Other Systems
Solution Channels and Integration Components

Webmedia
Business
Solutions
Platform
RDBMS
48
Master
Data
Management
Reporting
Services and
Analytics
Application Server
Security
Authentication
Authorisation
Content Management
Workflow
and
Business Rules
Integration Platform
GIFMIS HARDWARE
GIFMIS Defined
SYSTEM
GIFMIS HARDWARE SYSTEM

SERVE
RS
Storage
Management
Server
Network
Managemnt
Servers
Applicatio
n Servers
Windows
Servers
STORAG
E
HP EVA 4400
HP MLS
HP VLS
NETWO
RK
CISCO
Router
CISCO
Switch
CISCO ASA
CONNE
CTIVITY
Fiber Optics
Internet
Radio
Primary Data Center Infrastructure
51
Secondary Data Center

Infrastructure
52
53
54
Connectivi
ty
GIFMIS Defined
Complex DC Infrastructure
Primary Datacenter
Abuja
Servers & storage
Databases
Operations
Support
Secondary Datacenter Gombe

Servers & storage
Databases
Ministries, Departments & Agencie
Secure 6 locations in Abuja

data
network
Federal Pay Offices
6 locations in Nigeria
56
Non-Pilot MDAs globally

located link over
the internet.
Global Network overview
57
Routing and Switching

A Cisco 3945 series router will be deployed; accessories that are
included;
Security Bundle
VPN Client License
IP Base License
Cisco 3750G-12S-S Switch is selected as the core switch so as to
provide high speed switching performance for the network. The 3750G
fiber switch will also be responsible for managing the network VLAN,
and will form part of the network access/admission control security
system
Cisco 3750G 24TD-E switches as the Distribution switches providing
layer 3 switching to connect LAN Access Switches for performance
switching balance
58
Network Security
59
ASA 5540 Firewall will be deployed to thwart external and

internal threats to both the building and the data centre and will
have the following features;
Contexts Security Feature
Intrusion Prevention System
Cisco secure access control server software will be installed to
integrate the network authentication with active directory. This will
ensure a single point of user security
APPS & Network

Management
PRODUCTIVITY
ACS, LMS, NNMI
Adventnet - ServiceDesk
Enterprise CAL Suite Concurrent User (OAGF/FMF/BoF Office

Only)
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
Windows Server 2008 Standard
Exchange Server - Enterprise Edition
Forefront Client Security Management Console
Forefront Server Security Management Console
System Center Configuration Manager Client Management
License
System Center Configuration Manager Server Management
License Enterprise
60
BUSINESS CONTINUITY
GIFMIS Defined

62
Backup Strategy
63
Onsite/Offsite
Backups
GIFMIS INFRASTRUCTURE
GIFMIS
Defined
MANAGEMENT
SECURITY
ACCESS
CONTROL
SECURIT
Y
PERSONN
EL
CHECK
BIOMETRI
C
ACCESS
CHECK
DATACENT
ER
PERSONNE
L CHECK
CCTV
MONITOR
SECURITY POLICY
USER
PROTECTI
ON
SOFTWAR
E
PROTECTI
ON
DATA
PROTECTI
ON
HARDWAR
E
PROTECTI
ON
65
CHALLENGES
GIFMIS Defined
Power
Data Carriage Media
Skills Acquisition
MDAs Linkages
SDC Location
Funding
67
THANK u 4 Listening
Question and Answer Session

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Module 5

What are the components of IT infrastructure?

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

IT infrastructure: Provides platform for supporting all

Organizes, manages, and processes business data

Networking and telecommunications technology

E.g. consultants for systems integration with legacy

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

A firms IT infrastructure is composed of

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Computers come in different sizes with varying

FLOPS (Floating point operations per second)

PDAs, handheld mobile devices

More powerful mathematical and graphics-processing

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Type of midrange computer

Large-capacity, high-performance computer that can

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

More sophisticated computer used for tasks requiring

Power of geographically remote computers connected

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Form of distributed computing

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Client/server computing (cont.)

Two-tiered client/server architecture

Balances load of network over several levels of

E.g. Web servers and application servers

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

In client/server computing, computer

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

A Multitiered Client/Server Network (N-Tier)

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Storage, Input, and Output Technology

Primary secondary storage technologies

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

A Storage Area Network (SAN)

A typical SAN consists of a

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Storage, Input, and Output Technology

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Storage, Input, and Output Technology

Display data after they have been processed

Information systems collect and process information in

Batch processing: Transactions stored for predefined

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Contemporary Hardware Trends

Integration of computing and telecommunications

Cell phones merging with handhelds

Creating computer chips and other devices thousands

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Nanotubes are tiny tubes about

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Contemporary Hardware Trends

Multitier, load-balancing scheme for Web-based

Development of systems that can configure

IT Infrastructure: Computer Software

Edge Computing Platform

IT Infrastructure: Computer Hardware

Contemporary Hardware Trends

Process of presenting a set of computing resources so

Server virtualization: Running more than one

Integrated circuit with two or more processors

Enhanced performance, reduced power consumption

IT Infrastructure: Computer Software