IT infrastructure includes hardware, software, and services that operate an entire enterprise. It has several key components: computer hardware platforms like servers, mainframes, and client machines; operating system platforms for servers and clients; enterprise software applications; data management and storage systems; networking and telecommunications platforms; internet platforms; and consulting and systems integration services. Firms are largely dependent on their IT infrastructure for delivering services to customers, employees, and suppliers. Effective issues management of an organization's IT infrastructure requires two-way communication, formal environmental scanning, and active sense-making strategies to anticipate and respond to emerging trends.