INFORMATION SYSTEMS

MANAGEMENT (MSIT 7103)

Course Instructor: Habtamu Fanta, PhD
WSU, School of Informatics
Department of Computer Science
E-mail: habtamu_fanta@yahoo.com
habtamu_fanta@sjtu.edu.cn
Management of IS Infrastructure (Chapter
6- McNurlin and Sprague)
• The terms architecture and infrastructure are commonly used
interchangeably in IS context.
• Architecture converts strategy into infrastructure: vision 
implementation
• IT architecture is a blueprint to translate business strategy
into IS plan.
• IT infrastructure is anything that aids the flow and process of
information in an organization (like hardware, software, data,
and network).
Management of IS Infrastructure
Management of IS Infrastructure
• When translating strategy (business) to architecture
then to infrastructure, these elements should be
considered:
 Hardware
 Software
 Data
 network
Architecture vs Infrastructure
Defining the IT Architecture
• The increase in importance of IT architectures
has led to the boom of CTO post.
• The CTO is the chief IT architect.
• To describe IS architecture, the roles of people
and the components they use need to be
assessed.
 Defining the IT Architecture
• Zachman’s
architectural
framework
Structure of the IT Infrastructure
• IT infrastructure – “shared and reliable services that
provide the foundation for enterprise IT portfolio.”
• IT infrastructure is an enabler for business
performance benefits.
• Weill and Broadbent propose a four-layer IT
infrastructure.
Structure of the IT Infrastructure
Structure of the IT Infrastructure
• IT components – foundation of an enterprise’s IT
infrastructure.
• Consists of computers, printers, OSs et al.
• Human IT infrastructure – handled by humans,
translates IT component into business terms.
• Consists of experts’ knowledge, skills, experience
and standards.
Structure of the IT Infrastructure
• Shared IT services – business view of the IT
infrastructure.
• Treats infrastructure as a set of services
• Consist of web sites, wireless apps, firewalls, data
processing facilities.
• Shared and standard IT apps – less dynamic
compared to local applications.
• Consists of accounting, HR and budgeting apps.
Project 2 (20%)
• Study, assess and evaluate the IS organization and IS staffing of a
company (enterprise). You may use the same organization you
studied in the previous term paper.
1. Discuss in detail if the roles of CIO (or equivalent) are clearly put
and well executed.
2. Assess the staffing of IS personnel: how the IS section is organized,
availability of relevant posts, availability of clear staffing guidelines.

Scrutinize in detail (max of 6 pages)

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