IT infrastructure assessment is a systematic approach to evaluating the current state of an organization's technology environment, identifying areas for improvement, and planning for future needs. This article delves into the methodologies and significance of IT infrastructure assessment, drawing insights from Davids Achonu's comprehensive study.
By exploring the practical applications and outcomes of these assessments, we aim to provide a robust framework for enterprises seeking to enhance their IT infrastructure's performance and reliability.
Importance of IT Infrastructure Assessment
The assessment of IT infrastructure is not merely a technical exercise; it is a strategic imperative for large enterprises. The complex and dynamic nature of today's business environment presents numerous challenges that necessitate a thorough evaluation of IT systems and resources. Enterprises must contend with fierce competition, the constant demand for innovative services, and the need to manage vast amounts of data efficiently. An effective IT infrastructure assessment addresses these challenges by providing a clear picture of the current state of IT assets, identifying potential risks, and uncovering opportunities for optimization.
One of the primary benefits of IT infrastructure assessment is its role in enhancing the return on investment (ROI) from IT resources. By systematically examining the performance and utilization of hardware, software, networks, and other critical components, organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements. This process not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports business stability by ensuring that IT systems are robust, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals.
Furthermore, IT infrastructure assessments are essential for informed decision-making. They provide a data-driven foundation for strategic planning, helping businesses to prioritize investments, mitigate risks, and adapt to emerging technologies. The insights gained from these assessments enable IT leaders to make evidence-based decisions that drive innovation and support the enterprise's long-term vision.
Methodologies and Approach
Conducting an effective IT infrastructure assessment requires a structured methodology that ensures a comprehensive evaluation of all IT components. The process involves several critical steps that together provide a clear and actionable understanding of the current IT environment.
Generic IT infrastructure Assessment Process
The generic assessment process begins with identifying the IT components that need evaluation. This includes hardware such as servers and desktops, software applications, network infrastructure, and other critical systems.
The steps involved in this process are:
Identifying IT Components: Determine which components of the IT infrastructure will be assessed. This typically includes servers, desktops, networks, and applications.
Data Collection: Gather comprehensive data on the identified components. This can involve automated tools and manual collection methods to ensure all relevant information is captured.
Developing an Inventory Report: Compile the collected data into a detailed inventory report. This report serves as a foundational document for the assessment.
Data Validation: Validate the accuracy of the collected data by consulting with IT stakeholders and verifying against existing records.
Final Assessment Report: Generate a final report that summarizes the findings of the assessment, highlights key areas for improvement, and provides recommendations for optimization.
The practical application of these methodologies can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the organization. Two common approaches are:
Centralized Assessment
This approach involves conducting the assessment from a central location, focusing on a holistic view of the entire IT infrastructure. It is beneficial for organizations with a unified IT management structure.
Benefits:
Consistency: Ensures uniformity in data collection and assessment methodologies, leading to consistent results.
Efficiency: Streamlines the assessment process by leveraging centralized resources and expertise.
Simplified Management: Easier to manage and coordinate the assessment activities from a single point of control.
Drawbacks:
Limited Local Insight: May miss out on specific local nuances or issues that could be critical for a thorough assessment.
Scalability Issues: Can become less efficient for very large organizations with multiple locations, as central teams might struggle to cover all areas effectively.
Distributive Assessment
In contrast, a distributive approach involves assessing IT components at various locations or departments. This method is suitable for large enterprises with decentralized IT operations, allowing for a more granular evaluation.
Benefits:
Local Expertise: Local teams have better knowledge of their specific environments, leading to more accurate and relevant assessments.
Scalability: Easier to scale across large organizations with multiple locations, as each local team handles their own assessment.
Flexibility: Can adapt to local conditions and requirements more effectively.
Drawbacks:
Inconsistency: Potential for variations in assessment methodologies and results across different locations.
Coordination Challenges: Requires effective coordination and communication between local teams to ensure overall coherence.
Resource Intensive: May require more resources and personnel to manage assessments at multiple locations.
Assessment Phases
The assessment process typically follows three main phases:
Discovery, Audit, and Monitoring: Initial data collection and analysis to create an accurate inventory and understand current performance levels.
Decision Making: Using the collected data to identify areas for improvement, prioritize actions, and develop a strategic plan.
Reporting: Generating detailed reports that outline the findings, recommendations, and actionable steps for optimization.
Phase 1: Discovery, Audit, and Monitoring
Discovery: Identify all IT assets, including hardware, software, networks, and other critical components. This involves creating a comprehensive inventory of the IT environment.
Audit: Conduct a thorough audit to verify the existence and status of the identified assets. This step ensures the accuracy of the inventory.
Monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring of the IT environment to gather performance data and identify any issues or anomalies. This helps in understanding the current state and performance of the infrastructure.
Phase 2: Decision Making
Data Analysis: Analyze the collected data to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and areas that need improvement.
Prioritization: Prioritize the issues and opportunities based on their impact on the business and the feasibility of addressing them.
Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan for optimizing the IT infrastructure, including short-term and long-term goals, resource allocation, and timelines.
Phase 3: Reporting
Comprehensive Reports: Generate detailed reports that summarize the findings of the assessment. These reports should include inventories, performance metrics, identified issues, and recommendations.
Stakeholder Communication: Present the reports to key stakeholders, ensuring they understand the findings and the proposed actions. This step is crucial for securing buy-in and support for the optimization initiatives.
Actionable Recommendations: Provide clear, actionable recommendations for addressing the identified issues and optimizing the IT infrastructure. These recommendations should be practical and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.
Assessment Tools and Techniques
A thorough IT infrastructure assessment relies heavily on the use of specialized tools that can automate data collection, provide detailed insights, and support informed decision-making.
Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit
The Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit is a powerful, agentless inventory, assessment, and reporting tool that helps organizations streamline their IT infrastructure assessment processes. The MAP Toolkit provides a comprehensive platform for collecting data on hardware and software assets, analyzing performance metrics, and generating detailed reports. Here are some key features and benefits of using the MAP Toolkit:
Agentless Inventory: The MAP Toolkit does not require any software installation on the devices being assessed. It performs an agentless inventory, which means it can gather data without interfering with the normal operations of the IT environment.
Comprehensive Data Collection: The toolkit collects data on a wide range of IT assets, including servers, desktops, network devices, and installed software. This data is crucial for creating an accurate inventory and understanding the current state of the IT infrastructure.
Performance Metrics Analysis: In addition to inventory data, the MAP Toolkit also gathers performance metrics. This includes information on CPU, memory, disk usage, and network performance. Analyzing these metrics helps identify bottlenecks and areas where improvements are needed.
Capacity Planning: The MAP Toolkit supports capacity planning by providing insights into current resource utilization and future growth needs. This helps organizations plan for hardware upgrades, software deployments, and other IT initiatives.
Cloud Readiness: The tool includes features for assessing cloud readiness, helping organizations evaluate their existing infrastructure’s suitability for migration to cloud services. It provides recommendations for moving workloads to the cloud, enhancing flexibility and scalability.
Detailed Reporting: The MAP Toolkit generates comprehensive reports that summarize the findings of the assessment. These reports include detailed inventories, performance analysis, and actionable recommendations, which are essential for informed decision-making.
Assessment Outcomes
The outcomes of an IT infrastructure assessment typically include:
Detailed Inventory: A comprehensive inventory of all IT assets, including hardware, software, and network components.
Performance Insights: Detailed performance metrics that highlight the current state and utilization of IT resources.
Identified Issues: A list of identified issues and inefficiencies within the IT infrastructure.
Optimization Opportunities: Opportunities for optimization and improvement, including potential cost savings, performance enhancements, and risk mitigations.
Strategic Recommendations: Strategic recommendations for addressing the identified issues and optimizing the IT infrastructure.
Migration Strategy
After the assessment, the next steps often involve developing and implementing a migration or optimization strategy. This strategy typically includes:
Develop a detailed migration plan that outlines the steps, timelines, and resources required for moving IT components to a new or optimized environment.
Implement the migration in phases to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition. This may involve migrating critical components first, followed by less critical ones.
Thoroughly test the migrated components to ensure they function correctly and meet performance expectations in the new environment.
Deploy the migrated components into the production environment, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to business operations.
Continuously monitor and optimize the migrated environment to ensure it meets the organization’s performance and efficiency goals.
Document the new environment and provide training to IT staff to ensure they are equipped to manage and maintain the optimized infrastructure.
By following these steps, organizations can effectively assess, migrate, and optimize their IT infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, efficient, and aligned with their strategic goals.
Difference Between IT Infrastructure Assessment and IT Infrastructure Audit
IT infrastructure assessment and IT infrastructure audit are both crucial processes for managing and optimizing an organization's IT resources. However, they differ in their objectives, scope, methodologies, and outcomes. Understanding these differences can help organizations determine which process is more appropriate for their specific needs.
IT Infrastructure Assessment:
Purpose: To evaluate the overall performance, efficiency, and capacity of the IT infrastructure.
Scope: Broad, covering various aspects such as hardware, software, network, and processes.
Outcome: Recommendations for improvements, optimizations, and future growth planning.
Frequency: Periodic or as needed based on business needs.
IT Infrastructure Audit:
Purpose: To ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations, and to identify security vulnerabilities.
Scope: Specific, focusing on compliance, security, and adherence to standards.
Outcome: Audit report highlighting compliance status, security issues, and areas for improvement.
Frequency: Regular intervals, often mandated by regulatory requirements.
In summary
IT infrastructure assessment is a vital practice for large enterprises aiming to thrive in a competitive market. It ensures that IT resources are optimized, risks are managed, and the organization is well-prepared to meet future demands. By leveraging proven methodologies and tools, such as those outlined in Davids Achonu's research, businesses can achieve a higher level of IT maturity and operational excellence.
The business world feels like it's on fast forward these days. New tech pops up all the time, and keeping your data safe is getting trickier by the minute. No wonder businesses need to make sure their IT infrastructure is in tip-top shape! An IT infrastructure audit is basically a checkup for your tech systems, making sure they're ready for whatever comes next.
Key Objectives of an IT Infrastructure Audit
An IT infrastructure audit plays a crucial role in shaping an organization's technical and business development plans. The technical plan outlines the requirements, goals, architecture, and resources for IT infrastructure development. An audit helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, define requirements for future development and improvement of IT infrastructure, and plan the necessary resources and budget to accomplish these tasks.
Core Objectives of an IT Infrastructure Audit:
Security Evaluation
An audit enables a comprehensive analysis of security levels, including the assessment of protective measures, data confidentiality, and prevention of potential threats. This is crucial for safeguarding information both within the organization and against external cyberattacks.
Resource Optimization
An audit helps uncover opportunities to optimize IT resources, enhance the performance and efficiency of IT systems, and streamline resource utilization within the organization
Compliance Assessment
An audit facilitates the evaluation of IT infrastructure's adherence to standards, regulatory documents, and legislation governing information systems. This helps confirm the organization's compliance with security, data privacy, and data integrity requirements.
Development Planning
The findings of an IT infrastructure audit serve as the foundation for developing an organization's technical and business development plans. The audit aids in identifying IT system strengths and weaknesses, prioritizing development needs, and planning system changes and upgrades based on concrete results and recommendations.
Technical debt
Technical debt is the accumulation of legacy systems, software, and hardware that can negatively impact the performance, security, and scalability of the IT infrastructure. An IT infrastructure audit can also be used to assess and manage technical debt.
Loss and Disruption Prevention
An audit helps identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure, enabling proactive measures to mitigate them. Conducting an audit contributes to preventing potential disruptions and issues, and allows for the development of backup, data recovery, and business continuity plans.
When an IT Infrastructure Audit is Essential
Alright, let's talk about when you'd want to get that IT infrastructure audit done. These audits are crucial for organizations these days - they help make sure your tech is running smoothly and can handle whatever comes your way.
Here are some key times when you'd definitely want to get an audit going:
Implementing new systems and tech
Bringing in new software, hardware, or information systems? Get an audit done first. It'll help you catch any potential issues or risks before you roll everything out, so you can make sure the new stuff integrates seamlessly and operates safely.
Your business is growing or changing
If your company is expanding, shifting gears, or just generally evolving, an audit can tell you if your IT infrastructure is ready to support those changes. It'll help you identify any problem areas, optimize your processes, and make sure your tech can keep up with the new business demands.
Beefing up your security
With all the cyberthreats out there these days, evaluating your system security is huge. An audit will show you where your vulnerabilities lie so you can shore up your defenses and protect your critical data and resources.
Streamlining operations
Audits don't just check for risks and problems - they can also uncover opportunities to optimize your processes and resources. Having that detailed look at how your tech is being used can help you cut costs, boost efficiency, and set the right performance metrics.
So in a nutshell, IT infrastructure audits are essential for organizations dealing with growth, changes, security concerns, or just a need to run a tighter, more cost-effective tech operation. They give you the insights you need to keep your systems performing at their best.
If you skip the audits, problems will just start piling up over time. Here's what can happen:
Lack of info and unreliable data
No IT audits means limited intel on the current state of your systems. You could end up using outdated or just plain wrong data when making important decisions. That makes planning a real headache and can lead to some seriously misguided strategic calls.
Security risks and vulnerabilities
Without regular audits, your organization is wide open to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security issues. If you're not checking for weaknesses on the regular, you'll have no idea where you're vulnerable - and that's a disaster waiting to happen.
Wasted resources
No audits means you could be over or underutilizing your resources, which kills productivity and wastes money on ineffective solutions. That's a surefire way to lose your competitive edge.
Doing those IT audits lets you get out in front of problems, optimize your resources, lock down your security, and make sure your tech is running like a well-oiled machine. It helps you make smart decisions, minimize risks, and keep up with your current needs.
IT Infrastructure Audit Checklist
Alright, on top of that stuff about the challenges of selecting an IT auditor, we've also put together an IT infrastructure audit checklist for you. This is like a handy reference guide to make sure you've covered all your bases when getting that audit done.
The checklist hits on all the major areas an auditor is gonna want to dig into - things like your cloud infrastructure, virtual environment, data storage, and overall service architecture. We break down the key things that need to be evaluated in each of those domains.
Cloud IT Infrastructure AuditDownload
It's a comprehensive list, but easy to follow along with. Helps ensure the audit is thorough and you're not missing any critical components of your IT setup. Just go through it step-by-step and you'll have a clear roadmap for the auditor to follow.
Key Considerations when Vetting IT Infrastructure Auditors
Alright, let's talk about the common issues and challenges that organizations face when selecting an IT infrastructure auditor:
Auditor Qualifications. One of the main problems is determining the true qualifications and professionalism of the auditor. Customers often have a hard time evaluating the auditor's actual experience.
Accuracy and Objectivity. Ensuring the auditor will provide an unbiased, objective assessment is crucial. Customers want to be confident the auditor will thoroughly evaluate all aspects of the IT infrastructure without any preconceptions or subjectivity. Finding a reliable, responsible auditor who can guarantee the accuracy and objectivity of their work is a tricky task.
Service Costs. The cost of the auditor's services is another significant challenge. Customers need to strike the right balance between service quality and price. Comprehensive IT infrastructure audits can be quite expensive, putting them out of reach for some organizations. However, the lowest price isn't always the best criteria, as rock-bottom costs may signal low-quality work.
Availability and Timelines. Auditor availability and their ability to complete the work on schedule is another problem. Auditors are often booked on other projects or have time constraints, making it hard to find one who can fit the customer's schedule. Flexibility on timelines is important.
Trust Issues. Trusting the auditor is a core challenge. Customers need to be confident in the auditor's reliability and their ability to provide an accurate assessment. Checking references, reviews, and credentials can help address this.
Selecting an IT infrastructure auditor is a complex, high-stakes process. Thoroughly researching the auditor's background, experience, and reputation online can provide valuable insights. For example, at Gart Solutions, we publish client reviews and share details on our completed audit engagements.
How Often Should You Conduct IT Infrastructure Audits?
As a general rule, companies should conduct an IT infrastructure audit at least once a year. However, in some cases, more frequent audits might be necessary. For instance, companies handling sensitive data may require audits every six months or even quarterly.
The results of an IT infrastructure audit should lead to a series of action items, such as:
Addressing security vulnerabilities: The audit should identify any security weaknesses within the IT infrastructure, and steps should be taken to close those gaps.
Enhancing performance: The audit should pinpoint areas where IT infrastructure performance can be improved, and actions should be taken to implement those improvements.
Reducing costs: The audit should identify areas where IT infrastructure costs can be lowered, and actions should be taken to achieve those cost savings.
Developing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP): A BCP outlines how the company will continue operations in case of an IT outage. The audit should contribute to developing or updating an existing BCP.
A well-conducted IT infrastructure audit can significantly help businesses maintain a secure, performant, and cost-effective IT infrastructure.
The final report's got the full scoop on any issues or weaknesses they found in the infrastructure. This gives the leadership team a clear, unbiased view of where things are at and what needs to be fixed. Armed with those audit results, they can put together an action plan to boost the efficiency of the tech, optimize the processes, and shore up any vulnerabilities in the system.
The key is using that audit as a roadmap to getting the IT infrastructure operating at peak performance. No more guesswork - just cold, hard data to drive the improvements.
Gart Solutions - Your Trusted DevOps & Cloud Services Provider.
We have extensive experience conducting IT infrastructure audits that deliver the insights organizations need.
Our case studies:
Infrastructure Optimization and Data Management in Healthcare
AWS Infrastructure Optimization and CI/CD Transformation for a Crypto Exchange
New Infrastructure Design and GCP Cost Optimization for Telecom SaaS Application
AWS Migration & Infrastructure Localization for Sportsbook Platform
In the relentless pursuit of success, businesses often find themselves caught in the whirlwind of IT infrastructure management. The demands of keeping up with ever-evolving technologies, maintaining robust security, and optimizing operations can feel like an uphill battle. But what if I told you there's a liberating solution that could lift this weight off your shoulders and propel your organization to new heights?
Definition of Infrastructure Outsourcing
IT infrastructure outsourcing refers to the practice of delegating the management and operation of an organization's information technology (IT) infrastructure to external service providers. Instead of maintaining and managing the infrastructure in-house, companies opt to outsource these responsibilities to specialized third-party vendors.
IT infrastructure includes various components such as servers, networks, storage systems, data centers, and other hardware and software resources essential for supporting and running an organization's IT operations. By outsourcing their IT infrastructure, companies can leverage the expertise and resources of external providers to handle tasks like hardware procurement, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, and ongoing management.
Benefits of IT Infrastructure Outsourcing
Outsourcing IT infrastructure brings numerous benefits that contribute to business growth and success.
Manage cloud complexity
Over the past two years, there’s been a surge in cloud commitment, with more than 86% of companies reporting an increase in cloud initiatives.
Implementing cloud initiatives requires specialized skill sets and a fresh approach to achieve comprehensive transformation. Often, IT departments face skill gaps on the technical front, lacking experience with the specific tools employed by their chosen cloud provider.
Moreover, many organizations lack the expertise needed to develop a cloud strategy that fully harnesses the potential of leading platforms such as AWS or Microsoft Azure, utilizing their native tools and services.
Experienced providers of infrastructure management possess the necessary expertise to aid enterprises in selecting and configuring cloud infrastructure that can effectively meet and swiftly adapt to evolving business requirements.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Outsourcing IT infrastructure allows businesses to tap into the expertise of professionals who specialize in managing complex IT environments. As a CTO, I understand the importance of having a skilled team that can handle diverse technology domains, from network management and system administration to cybersecurity and cloud computing. By outsourcing, organizations can leverage the specialized knowledge and experience of professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. This expertise brings immense value in optimizing infrastructure performance, ensuring scalability, and implementing robust security measures.
"Gart finished migration according to schedule, made automation for infrastructure provisioning, and set up governance for new infrastructure. They continue to support us with Azure. They are professional and have a very good technical experience"
Under NDA, Software Development Company
Enhanced Focus on Core Competencies
Outsourcing IT infrastructure liberates businesses from the burden of managing complex technical operations, allowing them to focus on their core competencies. I firmly believe that organizations thrive when they can allocate their resources towards activities that directly contribute to their strategic goals. By entrusting the management and maintenance of IT infrastructure to a trusted partner like Gart, businesses can redirect their internal talent and expertise towards innovation, product development, and customer-centric initiatives.
For example, SoundCampaign, a company focused on their core business in the music industry, entrusted Gart with their infrastructure needs.
We upgraded the product infrastructure, ensuring that it was scalable, reliable, and aligned with industry best practices. Gart also assisted in migrating the compute operations to the cloud, leveraging its expertise to optimize performance and cost-efficiency.
One key initiative undertaken by Gart was the implementation of an automated CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipeline using GitHub. This automation streamlined the software development and deployment processes for SoundCampaign, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. It allowed the SoundCampaign team to focus on their core competencies of building and enhancing their social networking platform, while Gart handled the intricacies of the infrastructure and DevOps tasks.
"They completed the project on time and within the planned budget. Switching to the new infrastructure was even more accessible and seamless than we expected."
Nadav Peleg, Founder & CEO at SoundCampaign
Cost Savings and Budget Predictability
Managing an in-house IT infrastructure can be a costly endeavor. By outsourcing, businesses can reduce expenses associated with hardware and software procurement, maintenance, upgrades, and the hiring and training of IT staff.
As an outsourcing provider, Gart has already made the necessary investments in infrastructure, tools, and skilled personnel, enabling us to provide cost-effective solutions to our clients. Moreover, outsourcing IT infrastructure allows businesses to benefit from predictable budgeting, as costs are typically agreed upon in advance through service level agreements (SLAs).
"We were amazed by their prompt turnaround and persistency in fixing things! The Gart's team were able to support all our requirements, and were able to help us recover from a serious outage."
Ivan Goh, CEO & Co-Founder at BeyondRisk
Scalability and Flexibility
Business needs can change rapidly, requiring organizations to scale their IT infrastructure up or down accordingly. With outsourcing, companies have the flexibility to quickly adapt to these changing requirements. For example, Gart's clients have access to scalable resources that can accommodate their evolving needs.
Whether it's expanding server capacity, optimizing network bandwidth, or adding storage, outsourcing providers can swiftly adjust the infrastructure to support business growth or handle seasonal variations. This scalability and flexibility provide businesses with the agility necessary to respond to market dynamics and seize growth opportunities.
Robust Security Measures
Data security is a paramount concern for businesses in today's digital landscape. With outsourcing, organizations can benefit from the security expertise and technologies provided by the outsourcing partner. As the CTO of Gart, I prioritize the implementation of robust security measures, including advanced threat detection systems, data encryption, access controls, and proactive monitoring. We ensure that our clients' sensitive information remains protected from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
"The result was exactly as I expected: analysis, documentation, preferred technology stack etc. I believe these guys should grow up via expanding resources. All things I've seen were very good."
Grigoriy Legenchenko, CTO at Health-Tech Company
Piyush Tripathi About the Benefits of Outsourcing Infrastructure
Looking for answers to the question of IT infrastructure outsourcing pros and cons, we decided to seek the expert opinions on the matter. We reached out to Piyush Tripathi, who has extensive experience in infrastructure outsourcing.
Introducing the Expert
Piyush Tripathi is a highly experienced IT professional with over 10 years of industry experience. For the past ten years, he has been knee-deep in designing and maintaining database systems for significant projects. In 2020, he joined the core messaging team at Twilio and found himself at the heart of the fight against COVID-19. He played a crucial role in preparing the Twilio platform for the global vaccination program, utilizing innovative solutions to ensure scalability, compliance, and easy integration with cloud providers.
What are the potential benefits of outsourcing infrastructure?
High scale: I was leading Twilio covid 19 platform to support contact tracing. This was a fairly quick announcement as state of New York was planning to use it to help contact trace millions of people in the state and store their contact details. We needed to scale and scale fast. Doing it internally would have been very challanaging as demand could have spiked and our response could not have been swift enough to respond. Outsourcing it to cloud provider helped mitigate that, we opted for automatic scaling which added resources in infra as soon as demand increased. This gave us peace of mind that even when we were sleeping, people would continue to get contacted and vaccinated.
What expertise and capabilities would you can lose or gain by outsourcing our infrastructure?
Loose:
Infra domain knowledge: if you outsource infra, your team could loose knowledge of setting up this kind of technology. for example, during covid 19, I moved the contact database from local to cloud so overtime I anticipate that next teams would loose context of setting up and troubleshooting database internals since they will only use it as a consumer.
Control: since you outsource infra, data, business logic and access control will reside in the provider. in rare cases, for example using this data for ML training or advertising analysis, you may not know how your data or information is being used.
Gain:
Lower maintenance: since you don't have to keep an whole team, you can reduce maintenance overhead. For example during my project in 2020, I was trying to increase adoption of Sendgrid SDK program, we were able to send 50 Billion emails without much maintenance hassle. The reason was that I was working on moving a lot of data pipelines, MTA components to cloud and it reduce a lot of maintenance.
High scale: this is the primary benefits, traditional infrastructure needs people to plan and provision infrastructure in advance. when I lead the project to move our database to cloud, it was able to support storing huge amount of data. In addition, it would with automatically scale up and down depending on the demand. This was huge benefit for us because we didn't have to worry that our provisioned infra may not be enough for sudden spikes in the demand. Due to this, we were able to help over 100+ million people worldwide vaccinate
What are the potential implications for internal IT team if they choose to outsource infrastructure?
Reduced Headcount: Outsourcing infrastructure could potentially decrease the need for staff dedicated to its maintenance and control, thus leading to a reduction in headcount within the internal IT team.
Increased Collaboration: If issues arise, the internal IT team will need to collaborate with the external vendor and abide by their policies. This process can create a new dynamic of interaction that the team must adapt to.
Limited Control: The IT team may face additional challenges in debugging issues or responding to audits due to the increased bureaucracy introduced by the vendor. This lack of direct control may impact the team's efficiency and response times.
The Process for Outsourcing IT Infrastructure
Gart aims to deliver a tailored and efficient outsourcing solution for the client's IT infrastructure needs. The process encompasses thorough analysis, strategic planning, implementation, and ongoing support, all aimed at optimizing the client's IT operations and driving their business success.
Free Consultation
Project Technical Audit
Realizing Project Targets
Implementation
Documentation Updates & Reports
Maintenance & Tech Support
The process begins with a free consultation where Gart engages with the client to understand their specific IT infrastructure requirements, challenges, and goals. This initial discussion helps establish a foundation for collaboration and allows Gart to gather essential information for the project.
Than Gart conducts a comprehensive project technical audit. This involves a detailed analysis of the client's existing IT infrastructure, systems, and processes. The audit helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights to tailor the outsourcing solution.
Based on the consultation and technical audit, we here at Gart work closely with the client to define clear project targets. This includes establishing specific objectives, timelines, and deliverables that align with the client's business objectives and IT requirements.
Implementation phase involves deploying the necessary resources, tools, and technologies to execute the outsourcing solution effectively. Our experienced professionals manage the transition process, ensuring a seamless integration of the outsourced IT infrastructure into the client's operations.
Throughout the outsourcing process, Gart maintains comprehensive documentation to track progress, changes, and updates. Regular reports are generated and shared with the client, providing insights into project milestones, performance metrics, and any relevant recommendations. This transparent approach allows for effective communication and ensures that the project stays on track.
Gart provides ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure the smooth operation of the outsourced IT infrastructure. This includes proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and regular maintenance activities. In case of any issues or concerns, Gart's dedicated support team is available to provide timely assistance and resolve technical challenges.
Evaluating the Outsourcing Vendor: Ensuring Reliability and Compatibility
When evaluating an outsourcing vendor, it is important to conduct thorough research to ensure their reliability and suitability for your IT infrastructure outsourcing needs. Here are some steps to follow during the vendor checkup process:
Google Search
Begin by conducting a Google search of the outsourcing vendor's name. Explore their website, social media profiles, and any relevant online presence. A well-established outsourcing vendor should have a professional website that showcases their services, expertise, and client testimonials.
Industry Platforms and Directories
Check reputable industry platforms and directories such as Clutch and GoodFirms. These platforms provide verified reviews and ratings from clients who have worked with the outsourcing vendor. Assess their overall rating, read client reviews, and evaluate their performance based on past projects.
Read more: Gart Solutions Achieves Dual Distinction as a Clutch Champion and Global Winner
Freelance Platforms
If the vendor operates on freelance platforms like Upwork, review their profile and client feedback. Assess their ratings, completion rates, and feedback from previous clients. This can provide insights into their professionalism, technical expertise, and adherence to deadlines.
Online Presence
Explore the vendor's presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Assess their activity, engagement, and the quality of content they share. A strong online presence indicates their commitment to transparency and communication.
Industry Certifications and Partnerships
Check if the vendor holds any relevant industry certifications, partnerships, or affiliations.
By following these steps, you can gather comprehensive information about the outsourcing vendor's reputation, credibility, and capabilities. It is important to perform due diligence to ensure that the vendor aligns with your business objectives, possesses the necessary expertise, and can be relied upon to successfully manage your IT infrastructure outsourcing requirements.
Why Ukraine is an Attractive Outsourcing Destination for IT Infrastructure
Ukraine has emerged as a prominent player in the global IT industry. With a thriving technology sector, it has become a preferred destination for outsourcing IT infrastructure needs.
Ukraine is renowned for its vast pool of highly skilled IT professionals. The country produces a significant number of IT graduates each year, equipped with strong technical expertise and a solid educational background. Ukrainian developers and engineers are well-versed in various technologies, making them capable of handling complex IT infrastructure projects with ease.
One of the major advantages of outsourcing IT infrastructure to Ukraine is the cost-effectiveness it offers. Compared to Western European and North American countries, the cost of IT services in Ukraine is significantly lower while maintaining high quality. This cost advantage enables businesses to optimize their IT budgets and allocate resources to other critical areas.
English proficiency is widespread among Ukrainian IT professionals, making communication and collaboration seamless for international clients. This proficiency eliminates language barriers and ensures effective knowledge transfer and project management. Additionally, Ukraine shares cultural compatibility with Western countries, enabling smoother integration and understanding of business practices.
Long Story Short
IT infrastructure outsourcing empowers organizations to streamline their IT operations, reduce costs, enhance performance, and leverage external expertise, allowing them to focus on their core competencies and achieve their strategic goals.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your IT infrastructure through outsourcing? Reach out to us and let's embark on a transformative journey together!
