Hey everyone! I've been away from the system admin scene for a bit, transitioning from sysadmin roles to Trade app support and now back to sysadmin. I'm curious about what a modern IT infrastructure looks like these days, especially for medium to large companies. I'm used to traditional on-prem solutions like Active Directory, Exchange servers, and file servers. I've heard about something called Entra ID now and I'm seeing companies use it for authentication and identity management, along with tools like Intune for mobile device management and SharePoint/OneDrive for file services. Can anyone help me understand this better?
4 Answers
It’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer since each industry has different needs. Some companies are completely moving away from AD in favor of services like Okta for authentication, while others still rely on it. The infrastructure really depends on whether your business is cloud-based, on-prem, or a blend. With the emerging needs for things like AI management, it can get pretty complicated! Just remember, no two companies are the same and the tools should fit the organizational goals.
It really varies by industry. There are still physical servers in play, but lots of companies have shifted to services like Exchange Online and SharePoint for file storage. File servers could be replaced by OneDrive which acts as a bridge. You can still use traditional Active Directory, but many are syncing it with Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for better management. If you’re fully cloud-based, you might not even need AD anymore. Plus, getting certified in areas like Azure administration or Intune could really help you catch up! Welcome back!
Modern IT setups often mix both cloud and on-prem resources, focusing on identity management rather than just network perimeters. You’ve got to think about centralized management for devices and assets, and employ zero trust networking. Forget about traditional file servers; go for content management systems. Microsoft can cover some bases, but sometimes you might find it cheaper or simpler to go multi-vendor. Do your research based on your specific needs!
And don't forget about ongoing telemetry and logs; they’re essential for security and management.
When we talk about 'modern', think Kubernetes integration, whether cloud or on-prem. Everything’s about infrastructure as code and having dynamic, real-time security strategies. We’re seeing a push for automated systems and decision-making. However, what many describe as modern IT can still be considered standard for smaller or mid-sized businesses. Real modern environments are complex but really interesting to work with!
Exactly! The rise of automated alerts and decisions is a game changer in managing infrastructure.
And let’s not forget the data-driven decision making—it's a whole new ball game!
Totally agree! It's all about blending resources to create a solid strategy that fits your needs.