Managing IT infrastructure can be a daunting task, but it’s the backbone that keeps businesses running smoothly. So, how do the experts do it? We reached out to top IT directors and executives to get their take. From leveraging automation to streamline operations to adopting centralized monitoring systems for better oversight, these industry leaders share five key strategies that are helping them stay ahead of the curve in IT infrastructure management.
- Embrace Automation for Efficiency
- Adopt Microservices Architecture
- Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan
- Choose a Unified Cloud Platform
- Implement Centralized Monitoring Systems
Embrace Automation for Efficiency
Based on my experience, a key approach to effective infrastructure management is embracing automation. Companies that leverage tools to automate routine tasks, like server monitoring and software updates, free up their teams to focus on strategic initiatives and proactively address issues before they disrupt workflow. This combined approach keeps your infrastructure efficient, reliable, and lets the team focus on innovation.
Aleksey Pshenichniy, Chief R&D Officer, Elai.io
Adopt Microservices Architecture
I have extensive experience working across various departments like asset management, IT solutions, and communication technologies. I’ve seen closely the complexities of managing IT infrastructure in a way that not only supports but also enhances business operations.
Implementing a microservices architecture can greatly enhance the manageability of IT infrastructure by breaking down complex systems into smaller, more manageable components. Each service can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently, reducing the risk of system-wide failures and making it easier to introduce new features or updates. This modularity allows for more agile responses to changing business needs, as well as more targeted troubleshooting when issues arise.
For organizations looking to stay nimble in a fast-paced digital environment, microservices offer a robust framework for managing IT infrastructure effectively.
Alari Aho, CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan
Creating a disaster recovery plan has always been a priority for me as an IT director. I’ve learned from experience that it’s not just about having backups; it’s about having a clear, actionable plan to get everything back online quickly when things go south.
First off, I started by identifying all the critical systems and data. That way, my team and I were clear on what needed to be recovered first. Then, we thought of the worst-case scenarios—from cyberattacks to power outages—and how they might affect our infrastructure.
Once we had that figured out, we set realistic aims for recovery. Ours was based on two metrics—Recovery Time Objective (RTO), which is basically how fast we can get things up and running, and Recovery Point Objective (RPO), which is how much data we can afford to lose. These targets help prioritize recovery so that the more important stuff gets handled first.
From there, it’s all about building out recovery steps. You want clear, simple instructions for restoring data, and don’t forget alternate ways of communication if your main systems are down. What’s worked well for me is documenting everything, so there’s no confusion during a crisis.
Now here’s the kicker—testing. I can’t stress this enough: test your plans regularly. Running simulations helps you spot the vulnerabilities before an actual crisis occurs.
Yogesh Kumar, Digital Marketing Head, eResource Scheduler
Choose a Unified Cloud Platform
Pick a cloud provider (AWS, Azure, GCP) or a cloud-native vendor, and religiously implement their capabilities. Much time and resources are lost when integrating products from different vendors.
By choosing one platform that offers a wide range of products, you can manage your IT infrastructure much more effectively. Let the vendor manage the integration issues between their product offerings. IT directors can push vendors for features or solutions to integration problems. This allows you to run a much leaner, more cost-efficient organization.
Edward Viaene, Managing Director, IN4IT LLC
Implement Centralized Monitoring Systems
Managing IT infrastructure effectively is crucial for any business, and one approach we find invaluable at LogicLeap is the implementation of centralized monitoring and management systems.
Centralized monitoring gives us a single-pane-of-glass view into our entire IT ecosystem. This means all servers, networks, and applications are monitored from one unified platform, allowing us to quickly identify and address issues before they escalate into major problems. It’s like having a comprehensive dashboard that keeps us informed about the health and performance of our IT assets in real-time.
For instance, we use tools that provide detailed analytics on server performance, network traffic, and application usage. These insights enable us to proactively manage resources, optimize performance, and ensure uptime. When we started using this centralized system, we noticed a significant reduction in downtime and a faster response to potential issues.
A concrete example comes from a situation where one of our clients, a rapidly growing e-commerce business in the UK, began experiencing slow website performance during peak shopping times. By using our centralized monitoring system, we were able to quickly pinpoint the issue to a specific server configuration that was underperforming. We adjusted the server resources and optimized load balancing across their infrastructure, which immediately improved the site’s performance.
Moreover, this approach helps with strategic planning. By analyzing trends in system usage, we can anticipate future needs and scale our infrastructure accordingly. This means we’re not only responding to current challenges but are also prepared for future growth and changes.
The centralized management system also simplifies the implementation of security updates and patches, ensuring that all components of the infrastructure are consistently protected against vulnerabilities.
By leveraging centralized monitoring and management, we at LogicLeap ensure that our IT infrastructure is both efficient and resilient. It’s an approach that not only mitigates risks but also supports our clients’ business objectives by providing a stable and reliable IT environment.
Josh Matthews, Director, LogicLeap
