What is included in the more-popular term “digital infrastructure” (infra) these days. Equinix, which most of us would say is in the data center business, says it is in the “digital infrastructure” business. But note: Simplicable says DX includes:
Cloud computing
Platforms
Systems
Applications
APIs and integration
User devices
Internet of Things
The point to note is that although some think of infra as limited to connectivity networks, practitioners refer to the ecosystem of applications, devices, platforms, hardware and software, computing, networks and systems that support digital work and life.
Brookings in a study also includes open source as infra. IDC emphasizes cloud services
“for enhancing customer experiences…and…business operations.” Note the explicit link between infra and customer experience and business operations.
According to Base22, digital infrastructure includes:
Internet backbone, broadband
Mobile telecom and digital communication suites, including apps
Data centers and networks
Enterprise portals, platforms, systems, and software
Cloud services and software
Operational security, user identity and data encryption
APIs and integrations
The Ford Foundation says “digital infrastructure is the code, policies and standards powering the technology that permeates every aspect of life,” Ford does not mean “code” in a software sense, but in technology values such as equity.
Likewise, the Harvard Business School Digital Initiative looks at infra through a social impact lens as well.
HCL says “digital Infrastructure is defined by a focus on enabling business agility and powering user experiences that drive customer engagement and loyalty.”
The World Economic Forum, sees infra through the lens of digital economy, notes that include communications service providers, or CSPs (fixed line and wireless telecommunications companies, cable companies, and bandwidth providers), digital service and content providers (content, media and IT service companies), and hardware and software manufacturers (infrastructure equipment, device, software and component manufacturers) are all parts of the digital infrastructure.
The point is that digital infrastructure includes much more than data centers and communication networks. Infra includes chips, devices, end user software, cloud computing, data centers and connectivity networks, platforms and applications.
Some would even include social or business impact. A few might include user digital literacy. The point is, it might be better to think of digital infrastructure as part of an ecosystem that overlaps with economic and social goals.
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