The technology infrastructure is the set of hardware, software, communications, cable, and personnel that provides, maintains, and supports access to information, processing of transactions, and the standards for security and procedures related to information technology. Typical infrastructure includes mainframe and server hardware and operating systems, applications software, campus network backbone and associated equipment, telecommunications equipment, and desktop computers and terminals. Infrastructure services include the design, development, and implementation of systems; end-user support and help desk facilities; and central operations services.
As institutions migrate from central to distributed processing systems, the information technology architecture is modified to identify the responsibilities of the central or core institutional areas and the responsibilities within distributed areas such as colleges, divisions, and/or departments. The information technology architecture consolidates the institution's investments in technology. Standards established by the central group identify the roles and responsibilities of the distributed computing areas for access, data processing, operations, security, support, and other roles usually associated with a central group. With increased external access via the Internet (especially the World Wide Web platform), the technology interface between these functional areas is focusing more attention on security against external access or hacking.