MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Chapter Two: IT Infrastructure, Platforms and Emerging Technologies
Learning Objectives
At the end of the chapter the learner shall be able to;
i. Define IT infrastructure and describe the components and levels of IT infrastructure.
ii. Identify and describe the stages of IT infrastructure evolution.
iii. Identify and describe the technology drivers of IT infrastructure evolution.
iv. Assess contemporary computer hardware platform trends.
v. Assess contemporary software platform trends.
vi. Evaluate the challenges of managing IT infrastructure and management solutions.
2.1 Definitions
Information Technology: Information technology (or I.T.) is simply defined as the use of computers and
software to manage information such as business data, digital images and videos, voice conversation,
multimedia presentations and others electronic files. It involves storing, processing, designing, transmitting
and retrieving information through computer systems and applications.
Information Communication Technology (ICT): The term "Information and communication technologies
"(ICTs) is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and create,
disseminate, store, and manage information. ICTs encompass a range of rapidly evolving technologies and
they include telecommunication technologies (telephony, cable, satellite, TV and radio, computer-mediated
conferencing, video conferencing) as well as digital technologies (computers, information networks
(internet, World Wide Web, intranets and extranets) and software applications.
Information Technology Infrastructure: Defined as the shared technology resources that provide the
platform for the firms/ organization’s specific information systems application. A set of firm wide services
budgeted by management and comprises both human and technical capabilities
2.2. The Need for an IT Infrastructure
Businesses rely on IS infrastructure to support business processes, decision making and for competitive strategy. An
organization’s IT infrastructure provides the foundation for serving customers, working with vendors and managing
internal business processes. The infrastructure includes investment in hardware, software, and services such as
consulting, education and training, that are shared across the entire organization or across entire business units in an
organization. Investment in infrastructure account for between 25% - 35% of the information technology expenditure
in large organizations.
Management Information Systems: IT Infrastructure Page 1
Chapter Two: IT Infrastructure, Platforms and Emerging Technologies
Learning Objectives
At the end of the chapter the learner shall be able to;
i. Define IT infrastructure and describe the components and levels of IT infrastructure.
ii. Identify and describe the stages of IT infrastructure evolution.
iii. Identify and describe the technology drivers of IT infrastructure evolution.
iv. Assess contemporary computer hardware platform trends.
v. Assess contemporary software platform trends.
vi. Evaluate the challenges of managing IT infrastructure and management solutions.
2.1 Definitions
Information Technology: Information technology (or I.T.) is simply defined as the use of computers and
software to manage information such as business data, digital images and videos, voice conversation,
multimedia presentations and others electronic files. It involves storing, processing, designing, transmitting
and retrieving information through computer systems and applications.
Information Communication Technology (ICT): The term "Information and communication technologies
"(ICTs) is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and create,
disseminate, store, and manage information. ICTs encompass a range of rapidly evolving technologies and
they include telecommunication technologies (telephony, cable, satellite, TV and radio, computer-mediated
conferencing, video conferencing) as well as digital technologies (computers, information networks
(internet, World Wide Web, intranets and extranets) and software applications.
Information Technology Infrastructure: Defined as the shared technology resources that provide the
platform for the firms/ organization’s specific information systems application. A set of firm wide services
budgeted by management and comprises both human and technical capabilities
2.2. The Need for an IT Infrastructure
Businesses rely on IS infrastructure to support business processes, decision making and for competitive strategy. An
organization’s IT infrastructure provides the foundation for serving customers, working with vendors and managing
internal business processes. The infrastructure includes investment in hardware, software, and services such as
consulting, education and training, that are shared across the entire organization or across entire business units in an
organization. Investment in infrastructure account for between 25% - 35% of the information technology expenditure
in large organizations.
Management Information Systems: IT Infrastructure Page 1
