IT infrastructure, which includes hardware, software and human resources, is defining the present and the future of organizations across all industry segments. Those organizations that have a higher maturity level of infrastructure see marked improvements in KPIs versus those that have a lower maturity level. To fix short time business goals, it is common to look for quick fix solutions such as cloud migration. However, in the absence of a clear understanding of existing infrastructure, its limitations, risks, and benefits, preparing for the future can result in lower KPIs. Thus, ensuring higher KPIs requires a deep dive into the heart of the organization, i.e. its infrastructure level and determine its level of maturity.
The four levels of Infrastructure Maturity:
Level 1 – Equipped to meet current business requirements
Companies that fall under this category have a simple, efficient and scalable IT infrastructure within their own data centers. Their converged infrastructure decisions are need-based and driven by individuals. These organizations typically do not have cloud infrastructure but based on ad hoc requirements may use public SaaS or PaaS. They do not have a clear workforce plan in place.
Level 2 – Awareness of the future
These companies have supplemented or migrated to the cloud for greater agility and flexibility. They have access to real-time data across units and geographies, and experienced cost benefits. These companies hold onto their data centers but their decisions are mostly team driven. A pilot initiative with the cloud is possible but this may not be linked to business KPIs. They may have an annual IT workforce place.
Level 3- Ready to meet future needs
Taking their infrastructure to the next level, companies that plan for the future, focus on using big data analytics for driving business decisions. With a revolutionary approach to IT infrastructure management, decisions are at an IT organizational level. They do have a cataloged presence across private and public clouds. The IT organization is well planned and aligned to future requirements.
Level 4 – Inspiring and creating the future
They have a plan in place for the future that encompasses converged infrastructure, cloud and big data analytics. Business decisions influence converged infrastructure and the approach is revolutionary in nature. These organizations have cloud catalogs, security and data control in place. They regularly track and automate performance across different clouds. Future planning includes envisaging emerging technologies and strengthening existing teams to enhance skills or plan to hire future technologies.
Four Crucial Business KPIs:
Financial stability
Financial stability requires the management of operational, man power and physical assets of an organization in the immediate present but with a strong foundation to manage change and grow even in uncertain times.
Internal processes
Organizational processes are key aspects of internal services which can impact all facets and relationships of a business. Internal processes relate to procurement, billing, work orders and so forth. Efficient management of internal resources is key to managing resources efficiently.
Innovation and growth
Key innovation practices help to create a high performance workplace where learning is interlinked to growth. The organization’s culture in such cases embraces change and growth to continuously reinvent itself for long term business sustenance.
Customer Service Excellence
This KPI focuses on an organization’s ability to meet customer requirements of quality, time and value and beyond that exceed expectations through uncompromised services. Companies that continue to evaluate their offerings for relevance and open to developing new offerings are setting the path for future growth and stability.
Mapping Infrastructure Maturity to Business KPIs:
| Infrastructure Maturity | Financial Stability | Systematic Processes | Innovation and Growth | Customer Service Excellence |
| Level 1 Equipped to meet current business requirements |
Lack visibility into the overall costs and benefits of existing IT Infrastructure | Information silos and manual processes which delay operations and reduces efficiencies | Data analytics not captured, even though it may be available | No systematic and automated processes to continuously meet and exceed expectations |
| Level 2 Awareness of the future |
Some visibility into the next financial year’s overall budget requirements | Adopted cloud infrastructure but unable to maximize its usage | No data analytics in place to plan future innovation | A few processes in place but lacks insight into customer expectations |
| Level 3 Ready to meet future needs |
IT plans in place but no clear idea of its impact on financial stability | Lacks a roadmap to migrate and manage cloud infrastructure | Data available but unable to derive intelligence from the same | Meeting customer expectations |
| Level 4 Inspiring and creating the future |
A clear idea about existing IT infrastructure. Continued focus on existing and planned infrastructure to ensure maximum cost benefits | A robust roadmap for future IT infrastructure management to automate all processes and enhance efficiencies in the short and long term. | Data analytics available on a continuous basis to empower C level executives to plan for the future | Next-gen technologies in place to ensure continuous customer engagement and appreciation |
Trigent’s Managed Infrastructure Services
At Trigent, we use a highly structured, agile and collaborative approach to achieve your business goals using the right cloud technology infrastructure. We collaborate with best-of-breed technology providers – Microsoft Azure and AWS, to ensure our services are perfectly tailored to your business needs. To know more, visit: Trigent’s Infrastructure Services
