Definition
Operations refers to the ongoing activities and processes required to run and maintain systems, applications, and infrastructure effectively. It encompasses the practical execution of tasks like monitoring, troubleshooting, patching, and performance tuning to ensure smooth and reliable service delivery. Understanding operations is crucial for IT professionals as it directly impacts system availability, security posture, and overall business continuity. For instance, a system administrator performing regular backups and security updates is engaged in operational tasks. This differs from strategic planning, which focuses on long-term goals rather than immediate system upkeep. Operations is a core concept tested across many IT certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.