A Decision Framework for Future-Proofing IT Infrastructure

Discover more from VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) Blog Related Articles A Decision Framework for Future-Proofing IT Infrastructure Infrastructure Boundaries, Controls, and Policies with VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Analyst Insight Series: Virtualization virtue #3: Supporting application modernization With the rise of AI, hybrid cloud environments, and digital transformation initiatives, IT infrastructure is under unprecedented pressure. For IT leaders and enterprise architects, the challenge isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about making strategic, forward-looking decisions while continuing to leverage existing technology investments. In a new paper “ Future-Proofing IT Infrastructure: A Decision Framework for Enterprise Architects ” HyperFRAME Research provides a structured rubric grounded in operational reality to guide this crucial evolution. The framework outlines eight pragmatic steps for infrastructure modernization: Inventory the Current Infrastructure: A successful modernization effort begins by establishing a clear baseline-—a complete picture of existing workloads, deployment patterns, and supporting platforms. This avoids the risk of investing in the wrong solutions. Evaluate Organizational Structure and Team Skillsets: Technology is only as good as the people and processes that support it. Organizations need to rigorously assess their team’s skills and knowledge gaps, and the cost and time required to bridge them. Determine Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs): While functional requirements define what a system does, NFRs—such as performance, scalability, and resilience—dictate how it operates under pressure. Evaluating infrastructure choices with NFRs in mind is essential for ensuring systems can meet business demands. Compare Virtualization and Containerization Options: With a clear understanding of the current environment, team capabilities, and business needs, organizations can determine which compute model best aligns with workload demands and long-term objectives. Evaluate Platform Capabilities and Integration: The enterprise IT environment is complex, with a myriad of individual infrastructure components. Managing it effectively requires a platform that orchestrates these different components into a cohesive, integrated whole, delivering simplicity with agility and flexibility.