Demystifying the Key Differences Between IT Operations and IT Infrastructure

For many, the distinction between IT operations and IT infrastructure is blurry Though related, these two domains play different roles in enabling technology to support business goals In this article, we’ll clearly define IT operations vs. IT infrastructure and highlight how they work together to keep companies running smoothly.

IT Operations: An Overview

IT operations refers to the execution monitoring and management of technology systems and services. The IT operations team ensures that hardware, software, networks, and related infrastructure operate optimally on a day-to-day basis.

IT operations responsibilities include:

• Deploying and configuring systems
• Managing updates and patches
• Monitoring performance
• Conducting troubleshooting and repairs
• Maintaining continuity through backups and disaster recovery

Essentially, IT operations focuses on the daily activities involved in running IT systems and services. The overarching goal is to provide stable, seamless technology delivery so that employees can perform their jobs efficiently.

Common IT Operations Roles

IT operations teams comprise various roles collaborating to support the design implementation and care of technology systems.

Typical IT operations roles include:

• Systems administrators who install, configure, and maintain servers and systems.
• Network engineers who oversee communication networks like LANs and VPNs.
• Database administrators who ensure optimal database performance and availability.
• IT security specialists who protect systems and data from threats.
• Desktop support technicians who troubleshoot endpoint devices issues.

Importance of Streamlined IT Operations

Smooth IT operations are crucial for companies relying on technology to conduct business. System downtime can negatively impact productivity and revenue. The stakes are especially high for e-commerce companies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions.

That’s why monitoring, preventive maintenance, capacity planning, and uptime optimization are imperative. Efficient IT operations safeguard against disruptions that affect internal and external stakeholders.

IT Infrastructure Defined

The physical technology components that store, process, and transmit data are collectively known as IT infrastructure. This infrastructure enables the delivery of IT services and powers business operations.

IT infrastructure comprises:

• Hardware – servers, computers, mobile devices, networking gear
• Software – operating systems, business applications
• Networks – LANs, WANs, wireless networks, network services
• Data centers – dedicated facilities housing critical IT equipment
• Cloud services – on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet

Hardware, software, networks, data centers, and cloud platforms provide the foundation on which IT operations and business processes run.

IT Infrastructure Components

IT infrastructure includes a wide array of technologies working in tandem:

Hardware

• Servers act as dedicated computers for hosting applications, databases, websites, and more.
• Storage infrastructure consists of disk arrays, SAN (storage area network) devices, tape libraries, and storage software.
• Networking hardware like routers, switches, and firewall appliances connect devices and enable communication.
• Endpoints refer to user devices like desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

Software

• Operating systems manage hardware resources and provide a platform for applications to run.
• Database management systems organize and store data, allowing for efficient querying and manipulation.
• Middleware facilitates integration and communication between software programs and systems.
• Virtualization software enables the creation of virtual machines that act as abstracted hardware.

Network Services

• DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses to locate devices on a network.
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to network devices.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) extends a private network over public infrastructure like the internet.
• Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple servers to optimize performance.

Data Centers and Cloud

• Data centers are specialized facilities containing racks of servers and supporting infrastructure like power, cooling, and physical security.
• Cloud computing provisions IT services over the internet, often via public cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

IT Operations Rely on IT Infrastructure

Clearly, IT operations and IT infrastructure are distinct but heavily interdependent. Smooth IT operations are only possible with a robust IT infrastructure foundation.

IT infrastructure provides the raw ingredients for delivering IT services and applications. IT operations brings expertise to leverage that infrastructure to enable and enhance business processes through technology.

For example, a company may decide to implement a new cloud-based ERP system. The IT infrastructure team would architect and deploy the necessary servers, storage, and networking hardware in their cloud environment to support the ERP system.

Once the infrastructure is provisioned, the IT operations team would install, configure, and customize the ERP software for the specific business requirements. They would also handle ongoing administration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and system upgrades.

The infrastructure provides the flexible foundation for operations to build upon. Operations, in turn, ensures the infrastructure is maintained and leveraged to deliver business value through stable IT services.

Streamlining IT Ops and Infrastructure with Jira Service Management

Jira Service Management (JSM) streamlines IT management processes, including enhanced IT operations and infrastructure capabilities.

For optimizing IT infrastructure deployment and configuration, JSM offers:

• ITSM Templates – pre-built templates for standard ITIL workflows
• CMDB – centralized configuration management database
• Automated workflows – standardize and automate repetitive tasks

For monitoring and managing ongoing IT operations, JSM provides:

• Incident management – ticket tracking for issues resolution
• Problem management – root cause analysis and prevention of incidents
• Change management – minimize risk and disruption from system changes
• Service level agreements – define and meet performance goals

With robust capabilities supporting both optimized infrastructure and IT operations, Jira Service Management enables high-velocity yet stable IT services delivery.

Key Takeaways: IT Operations vs IT Infrastructure

• IT operations focuses on the daily activities involved in managing IT services and systems.

• IT infrastructure comprises the core physical and virtual technology components that enable IT operations.

• While distinct, IT operations and infrastructure work hand-in-hand to deliver business technology. Smooth IT operations rely on a solid infrastructure foundation.

• Jira Service Management enhances both IT operations and infrastructure via features like CMDB, automated workflows, and mature ITIL-aligned processes.

• Clearly understanding the difference between operations and infrastructure roles leads to efficient collaboration and IT management.

In today’s tech-driven business climate, high-performing IT operations and infrastructure provide a competitive advantage. With a powerful platform like Jira Service Management supporting your IT teams, you can achieve technology excellence.