An IT infrastructure typically combines two main components:
• The CPU (also known as compute)
• Drives (sometimes referred to as storage)
People need to consider the placement of these components. In smartphones, you can identify the primary components as compute and storage. This holds true for larger infrastructures as well, where processing power and storage remain fundamental.
In the past, companies usually housed their IT infrastructure on-premises in dedicated computer rooms. Some could afford data centers and invest millions of dollars in them. One might wonder why each company took this route instead of constructing a centralized data center shared among multiple companies. This is where the concept of colocation data centers comes in. It allows companies to rent space in a single location, avoiding the hefty initial investment.
With the advent of cloud technologies, these boundaries were shattered. Data could now reside anywhere worldwide or within specific regions. The current approach to IT infrastructure varies among companies. How companies build their IT infrastructure and how they organize their departments are extremely important.
Consider this example:
Imagine a small bagel shop named Leo’s Bagels located in Lower Manhattan. They have only one store. They have no other store locations anywhere within New York or anywhere else; however, they still require IT operations for tasks like cash management and accounting. Their likely approach would involve cloud services and freelance IT contractors. A single individual could manage IT operations through a cost-effective cloud service subscription model.
Now, let’s imagine Leo’s Bagels expands. They open multiple branches and diversify beyond bakeries. Over time, they grow into a large organization. As they handle more sensitive data, compliance policies become a concern. Because of this, they need to create a data center, either exclusively or collocated. A hybrid cloud model is implemented. In this model, data is stored across various locations, including the cloud and on-premises.
It’s important to understand how this type of evolution impacts an IT team. A solitary freelance IT person could expand into an internal IT team. This team might consist of multiple in-house professionals. They become responsible for managing the data and operations. As the organization continues to evolve, specialization becomes necessary, for example:
• Cloud Infrastructure team
• DevOps team
• Cyber Security team
As an organization expands, roles with single skill sets might become redundant, especially with a technology change. This would likely lead to layoffs, inefficiencies, and increased workloads. Many companies are currently navigating this journey. They are trying to determine the best approach to scaling their IT departments. The ideal scenario involves a team of freelancers that can adjust as needed. However, many organizations must maintain an internal IT team for stability.
A complete transition to a freelance team isn’t always feasible, especially for big corporations. Imagine if Pepsi relied solely on freelance IT support; that would pose challenges, like compliance in the eyes of auditors and conflicts of interest.
It is clear now why a balanced approach is essential. This type of approach utilizes external IT services companies called Managed Service Providers (MSP). They work hand-in-hand to complement internal IT teams. They provide the specialized skill sets that are needed. Larger organizations can become more efficient by maintaining their internal teams and utilizing external IT for both short-term and long-term needs.
Even within a small organization, MSPs like ByteSage can be used on a contract basis for support. They become indistinguishable from an internal IT team. Completely outsourcing IT needs via MSPs is also an approach that an organization can use, particularly if they are a startup.
At ByteSage, we go beyond mere expertise; we are people who understand your unique needs.
Our core focus is on delivering high-touch, exceptionally personalized IT services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Each member of our team boasts an unmatched level of experience and expertise, setting us apart in the industry. Our commitment to honesty, friendliness, and clarity remains unwavering. Even when addressing intricate technical matters, we communicate in a language that you can readily comprehend. Our primary aim is to provide invaluable assistance across every facet of managing and expanding your business.
