IT operations (ITOps) refers to the set of processes, services, and activities that an information technology department administers to manage software and hardware. The operations team manages the overall IT environment, quality assurance, and system and network infrastructure. The need for IT operations has grown as IT environments have become increasingly complex through the adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing and software-defined networking, and changes resulting from widespread remote work.
IT operations include a range of activities, including system administration, service management, security management, software and hardware deployment, and network operations. An IT operations team is responsible for many functions, such as improving technology, solving active problems across the business, and proactively enhancing company systems. The team investigates any issues that arise with the system, such as data populating correctly or users having trouble accessing the system.
Every organization that uses computers and network technologies has some form of IT operations in place. The work of an operations team is usually separate from IT application development and system administration, though it might support those teams. IT operations management is a key component of an organizations IT system, ensuring that IT systems are running efficiently and effectively.
