What is Digital Infrastructure and What You Need to Know About It 

Digital infrastructure influences every business and sector around the UK. Setting up your digital infrastructure to provide the best support and scalability for your business is vital for enabling growth. This is the technical foundation that supports your business development and activity, and it is hard to ignore.

We explain what digital infrastructure is, the advantages and disadvantages you might find with it, and why it is so vital for your business operations. 

Digital infrastructure meaning

Digital infrastructure is your business's technical foundation. It consists of the physical hardware and software-based technologies that make up your technology stack, enabling the operation and delivery of digital services and goods. Your digital infrastructure can include everything from your servers to your IT and operating systems.

Ultimately, it is a large collection of components—both software and hardware—that facilitates the collection, storage, and transmission of data to deliver digital services. Having a strong digital infrastructure that works uniquely for your business is vital for the safety of data and the growth of your business.  

Digital infrastructure examples

Your digital infrastructure is built from multiple components that are important to the technical ecosystem of your business. The key components of this can include: 

• Networks—including the internet and broadband, as well as copper or fibre-optic cabling, wide area networks (WAN), and local area networks (LAN).
  
  
• Data centres—facilities hosting servers and networking equipment as a third-party provider for your data storage and safety.
  
  
• Cloud computing – including private cloud, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Digital infrastructure influences every business and sector around the UK. Setting up your digital infrastructure to provide the best support and scalability for your business is vital for enabling growth. This is the technical foundation that supports your business development and activity, and it is hard to ignore.  

We explain what digital infrastructure is, the advantages and disadvantages you might find with it, and why it is so vital for your business operations.  

Digital infrastructure meaning 

Digital infrastructure is your business's technical foundation. It consists of the physical hardware and software-based technologies that make up your technology stack, enabling the operation and delivery of digital services and goods. Your digital infrastructure can include everything from your servers to your IT and operating systems.  

Ultimately, it is a large collection of components—both software and hardware—that facilitates the collection, storage, and transmission of data to deliver digital services. Having a strong digital infrastructure that works uniquely for your business is vital for the safety of data and the growth of your business.  

Digital infrastructure examples 

• Networks—including the internet and broadband, as well as copper or fibre-optic cabling, wide area networks (WAN), and local area networks (LAN). 

• Data centres—facilities hosting servers and networking equipment as a third-party provider for your data storage and safety. 

• Cloud computing – including private cloud, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) 

• Cybersecurity systems—including all hardware and software that ensure the safety and protection of your infrastructure and data.  

• Software—all programmes used within your business to operate and provide digital services.  

• Hardware—the physical computing elements contributing to your overall digital infrastructure.  
  
  

Why is digital infrastructure important?

Digital infrastructure is vital for your business as it is at the heart of everything businesses do with technology. It is important for your business's operation, growth, and innovation. A strong digital infrastructure can support a business’ needs and is scalable and flexible enough to manage growth. It is not only essential to operating digitally within your company but is also vital for connecting with your customers. 

Advantages and disadvantages of digital infrastructure

• Automation—automation is vital for business functions with the increased reliance on AI and automated systems. Using software that can automate administrative tasks, you can realign labour costs or time management to maximise your staff’s capabilities and specialist skills.
    
• Cost—while there is an initial investment, over the long term, a good digital infrastructure can help you gain a competitive advantage, cut costs on wasted time, energy, and resources, and improve efficiencies across the business.  
  
  
• Customer experience—a good digital infrastructure is vital for offering the best customer experience. From personalised messaging to targeted ads, your digital infrastructure can offer your business the data analysis you need to better understand the customer journey and adapt your offerings for the market.   
  
  

However, poor digital infrastructure can damage your business’ potential. Some disadvantages a digital infrastructure can include: 

• Increased vulnerabilities—poor digital infrastructure can expose your business to cybersecurity risks if done incorrectly. By increasing your digital technology stack, you can expose your business to these vulnerabilities if not managed correctly. 

• Cost—it can be costly, especially the initial investment. However, avoiding a well-developed digital infrastructure can limit your communication with customers and leave your business vulnerable to competitors. 
   
• Dependence on technology—reliance on technology, including AI and automation, can be risky. Your business should have contingency plans in the event that your technology stops or changes. Over-reliance can risk compromising your business in the case of system failure, for example.  

Your digital infrastructure can determine the success and scalability of your business. While it is an initial investment, the up-front costs can save your business in the long run. From remaining compliant with data protection policies to providing a better customer experience, ensuring that your digital infrastructure serves your business can mean the difference between being successful in the marketplace and struggling to communicate with your customers.  

To better understand how we can help you develop your digital infrastructure, get in touch today.