IT architecture and IT infrastructure
...ny conflicting issues, such as centralization versus decentralization, the technical and application infrastructure must meet the following requirements: 1).Open-ended in the context meant that the infrastructure's capabilities should be expandable almost infinitely. 2). Transparency means that the inherent complexity of the system remains invisible to the users, while managing the technical infrastructure does not require detailed technical knowledge. 3). Future-oriented implies that the infrastructure is capable of easy assimilation to new developments and opportunities in IT (http://www.ewita.com/earlywork/itb.htm). IT architecture and IT infrastructure is an important theme in the field of MIS. Firms design a frame, and set the hardware, software, and communication equipment on this to make a clear classification and position. IT architecture can completely and apparently display the IT of organizations. Meanwhile, it also can illustrate the technology relationships through classification and position. For the simplicity, its expression is just limited in hierarchy relationship. In the 90s, according the investigation into American managers, the design of IT architecture is the first issue of MIS. Why is the issue a key issue? There are three main points below to answer this question. 1). IT architecture shows the arrangement of information resources. A good and balance arrangement can fully develop the functions of information resources. 2). Emerging technologies constantly arise, and whether organizations need to use them is a key decision. IT architecture can examine the positions of emerging technologies by existing technologies and decide whether the both can be integrated successfully. 3). IT architecture can suggest the trend of application for the future. Possessing the IT infrastructure, enterprises could develop advanced application systems in order to create value and grasp the business opportunities (Wu & Hsieh, 2000, 316-328). Taking an IT architectural approach to the challenge of providing business advantages, senior executives will aim to ensure that IT enables the integration of business processes and maintains the proper balance of cost, performance, and scalability. Over the years, IT sellers, consultants, and academics have proposed various methods of sorting architecture to make them more understandable and useful. A well-established one has a technology focus. By layers, it typically subdivides architecture into data, applications, and infrastructure. Another relatively new one is based on Jeanne Ross’s work. It proposes five architectural styles reflecting business benefits. Nevertheless, there is no general agreement to classify. A recent proposal by Bruce Rogow subdivides this into four strategies. They are differentiated between features and benefits. The four architectural strategies include (http://www.nyenrode.nl/download/lectures/buuron.pdf): 1). Consolidate architectures emphasize IT cost reduction and systems simplification 2). Connect architectures emphasize interconnecting across an enterprise and even between enterprises. They identify standard interfaces and middleware 3). Innovate architectures emphasize adaptability. One purpose is to support experimentation by the business to create new business products and processes. 4). Re-platform architectures take advantage of technology advances. They replace existing platforms, development methods, and 'mind-set'. Each strategy has distinctive benefits and requires a different investment strategy or business case. The combination of infrastructure plus architecture determines the practical range of applications that can be readily developed and installed. There are successful examples addressing the issue in practice. For instance, Ingram Micro Inc. is the world's largest technology distributor and a leading technology sales, marketing and logistics company. As a vital link in the technology value chain, it creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique mark...