The Core Infrastructure Optimisation model helps customers understand and improve the state of their IT infrastructure by adopting best practices and enabling software technologies. The model was developed by Microsoft and leading industry analysts.

The model defines four stages of optimisation (basic, standardised, rationalised, and dynamic) and maps these to your ability to better understand and control cost and complexity, reduce security risk, and drive operational agility. As you move from a basic infrastructure to a more dynamic infrastructure:

Security improves

• IT infrastructure management changes from reactive to proactive
• Processes move from fragmented or non-existent to formalised, repeatable and automated
• Technology is used to improve business agility and deliver business value

Within the model, improving five key technical capabilities will have the greatest impact:

• Improving identity and access management – will lead to greater productivity, business agility, regulatory compliance and lower system administration costs
• Improving desktop, server, and device management – will result in massive cost savings, increased service levels and increased business agility
• Improving security and networking – will mean reduced risks, improved stability, regulatory compliance, and cost savings.
• Improving data protection and recovery – will see improved productivity, service levels, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.
• Improving IT and security process - will mean greater productivity and service levels, and the ability to reduce and better manage risks.