Information Communication and Technology

Information Technology (IT) encompasses the use of computers, networks, and software to man
age, process, and transmit information, playing a crucial role in modern society.

Information Technology (IT) refers to the study and application of systems for storing, retrieving,
and sending information. It includes a wide range of technologies, such as computers, software,
networks, and telecommunications, that facilitate the management and communication of data.
IT is essential for various functions in organizations, including data management, communicatio
n, and operational efficiency.

The term "Information Technology" was first introduced in a 1958 article in the Harvard Business
Review by Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler. They defined IT as encompassing techniques
for processing data, decision support, and the simulation of higherorder thinking through compu
ter programs. Since then, IT has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in computer scien
ce and technology.
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical
devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of
electronic data. Typically, IT is used in the context of business operations, as opposed to the
technology used for personal or entertainment purposes. The commercial use of IT encompasses
both computer technology and telecommunications. Harvard Business Review coined the
term information technology in 1958 to distinguish between purpose-built machines designed to
perform a limited scope of functions and general-purpose computing machines that could be
programmed for various tasks. As the IT industry evolved from the mid-20th century, computing
capability increased, while device cost and energy consumption decreased, a cycle that continues
today when new technologies emerge.
Types of information technology

Information technology encompasses a wide range of technologies and systems that are used to
store, retrieve, process and transmit data for specific use cases.
Common information technology types include the following:
❖ Internet and web technologies. This includes the tools and protocols used to access,
navigate and interact with information on the internet. Examples include web browsers,
websites, web servers, Hypertext Markup Language, cascading style
sheets, JavaScript, HTTP and other internet-related technologies.
❖ Cloud computing. This involves the delivery of computing resources and services over the
internet on a pay-per-use basis. This can include infrastructure as a service, platform as a
service, software as a service and cloud storage options.
❖ Databases. This includes IT systems and software used to store, organize and retrieve
data. Examples include MySQL, NoSQL, relational database management systems
and MongoDB.
❖ Artificial intelligence and machine learning. AI and ML-based IT technologies use
algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to perform tasks that typically
require human intelligence. Examples include speech recognition, image recognition
and natural language processing.
❖ Cybersecurity. This type of IT includes technologies and best practices designed to protect
IT systems, networks and data from unauthorized access, cyber attacks and other security
threats. Cybersecurity can be enforced through firewalls, antivirus software, encryption,
intrusion detection systems and security policies.
❖ Internet of things. This includes the network of interconnected devices and sensors that
collect, exchange and analyze data. IoT technologies enable the integration of physical
objects into computer systems, providing automation, monitoring and control in various
domains.
❖ IT governance. This involves making policies and rules for the organization to ensure
effective operation.
 ❖ Data analytics and business intelligence. BI focuses on tools and techniques for extracting
insights from large data sets to support decision-making and business operations. This can
include data mining, statistical analysis, data visualization and predictive modeling.

Most IT staff have different responsibilities within the team that can be broken into the following
key areas:
• Administration. Administrators handle the day-to-day deployment, operation and
monitoring of an IT environment, including systems, networks and applications. Admins
often perform a range of other duties such as software upgrades, user training, software
license management, procurement, security, data management and observing adherence
to business process and compliance requirements. Effective delegation is also part of IT
administration and is crucial for a team's productivity.
• Support. Help desk staff specialize in answering questions, gathering information and
directing troubleshooting efforts for hardware and software. IT support often includes IT
asset and change management, helping admins with procurement, handling backup and
recovery of data and applications, monitoring and analyzing logs and other performance
monitoring tools and following established support workflows and processes.
• Applications. Businesses rely on software to perform work. Some applications, such as
email server applications, are procured and deployed by third parties. But many
organizations retain a staff of skilled developers that create the applications and interfaces
-- such as application programming interfaces -- needed to deliver critical business
capabilities and services. Applications might be coded in a wide array of popular
programming languages and integrated with other applications to create smooth and
seamless interactions between different applications. Developers might also be tasked
with creating interactive business websites and building mobile applications. The trend
toward agile or continuous development paradigms requires developers to be increasingly
involved with IT operations, such as deploying and monitoring applications.
• Compliance. Businesses are obligated to observe varied government and industry-driven
regulatory requirements. IT staff play a major role in securing and monitoring access to
 business data and applications to ensure that such resources are used according to
established business governance policy that meets regulatory requirements. Such staff are
deeply involved with security tasks and routinely interact with legal and business teams to
prevent, detect, investigate and report possible breaches.

Why is information technology important?

It's been said that data is what powers industries worldwide. That might be hyperbole, but few
businesses -- large or small -- can remain competitive without the ability to collect data and turn
it into useful information. IT provides the means to develop, process, analyze, exchange, store and
secure information.
Data processing plays a significant role in the following core business practices:
• Product development and design.
• Marketing and market research.
• Sales and invoicing.
• Data analysis and decision-making.
• Customer development and retention.
• Accounting and taxes.
• Human resources and payroll.
• Regulatory compliance.
Information technology plays a vital role for businesses in the following ways:
• Facilitates communication and collaboration. IT enables seamless communication and
collaboration across different locations and time zones. For example, global corporations
that are spread across continents can use video conferencing, instant messaging
and content collaboration tools to bridge geographical distances and communicate
effectively.
• Advances pervasive computing. Computing has penetrated practically every part of
business and much of our personal lives. The ubiquity of computing -- also referred to
as pervasive computing -- is another reason why IT is critical. Computing devices have
evolved well beyond PCs and servers. Today, all businesses and most people have and use
 multiple computing devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles and even
doorbells, thermostats, vacuums and many kitchen appliances.
• Enhances efficiency and productivity. IT systems and tools streamline processes,
automate repetitive tasks and provide access to real-time data, thereby improving the
overall efficiency and productivity of businesses. For example, a retail company with an
integrated IT system can use an automated inventory management tool to track stock
levels in real time and replenish them through automatic reordering.
• Enables access to information. IT provides access to vast amounts of information and
knowledge in databases and online libraries, empowering individuals and organizations to
make informed decisions and stay updated with the latest developments.
• Supports innovation and creativity. IT fosters innovation by providing platforms for
creative expression, experimentation and problem-solving. For example, consider a
software development company utilizing IT platforms for innovation. Its developers can
collaborate in virtual environments, experiment with new coding techniques and
technologies and create groundbreaking software through iterative testing, feedback
loops and problem-solving.
• Supports critical business operations. IT is essential for the smooth functioning of modern
businesses, from managing operations and finances to marketing and customer service.
For example, most customer service teams use IT systems for efficient communication,
issue resolution and feedback collection to ensure a positive user experience.
• Helps with education and research. IT plays a vital role in education, providing access to
educational resources, facilitating distance learning and supporting research endeavors.
Remote learning technologies enable access to education from anywhere, bridging
geographical barriers and providing opportunities for lifelong learning.
• Provides cost savings. IT reduces costs associated with paper-based processes, manual
labor and physical infrastructure, leading to significant savings for both businesses and
individuals.
• Provides connectivity to the internet. Virtually all IT devices, many of which are part of
the IoT, tap into the internet, which interconnects billions of devices worldwide.
Examples of information technology
So how is IT involved in day-to-day business? Consider the following six common examples of IT
and teams at work:
1. Server upgrade. One or more data center servers are near the end of their operational
and maintenance lifecycle. IT staff will perform the following:
•

o Select and procure replacement servers.

o Configure and deploy the new servers.
o Back up applications and data on existing servers.
o Transfer that data and applications to the new servers.
o Validate that the new servers are working properly.
o Repurpose or decommission and dispose of the old servers.
2. Security monitoring. Businesses routinely use tools to monitor and log activity in
applications, networks and systems. IT staff receive alerts of potential threats or
noncompliant behavior, such as a user attempting to access a restricted file; check logs
and other reporting tools to investigate and determine the root cause of the alert; take
prompt action to address and remediate the threat, often driving changes and
improvements to security posture that can prevent similar events in the future.
3. New software. The business determines a need for a new mobile application that can
enable customers to log in and access account information or conduct other transactions
from smartphones and tablets. Developers work to create and refine a suitable application
according to a planned roadmap. Operations staff post each iteration of the new mobile
application for download and deploy the back-end components of the app to the
organization's infrastructure.
4. Business improvement. A business requires more availability from a critical application to
help with revenue or business continuance strategies. The IT staff might be called upon to
architect a high-availability cluster to provide greater performance and resilience for the
application to ensure that it can continue to function in the face of single outages. This can
be paired with enhancements to data storage protection and recovery.
 5. User support. Developers are building a major upgrade for a vital business application.
Developers and admins collaborate to create new documentation for the upgrade. IT staff
might deploy the upgrade for limited beta testing -- enabling a select group of users to try
the new version -- while also developing and delivering comprehensive training that
prepares all users for the new version's eventual release.
6. Digital workplace organization. Employees in a bustling office are wasting too much time
trying to locate paper documents, files and office supplies that are scattered throughout
the workspace. The office has decided to incorporate a digital filing and inventory
management system. Each document in the office is scanned and stored electronically and
tagged with relevant keywords. Additionally, office supplies are also tracked in a digital
inventory database. Now, whenever an employee needs to access a document or find a
tool, they promptly open the digital inventory system. With just a quick search, they
pinpoint the precise file or item along with its current physical location in the workspace.
This enhances the efficiency and productivity of the employees.
Software vs. hardware
When it comes to IT systems, both software and hardware are integral and interdependent
components of computer systems. The following are some main differences between the two:
Software
Software refers to a set of instructions that enable the hardware to perform specific tasks. It
includes system software, application software and other programs that run on the computer.
There are two categories of software: system software and applications. System software
encompasses the computer programs that manage the basic computing functions. They include
the following:
• Operating systems (OSes).
• BIOSes.
• Boot programs.
• Assemblers.
• Device drivers.
Examples of business applications include the following:
 • Databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server.
• Transactional systems, such as real-time order entry.
• Email servers, such as Microsoft Exchange.
• Web servers, such as Apache and Microsoft's Internet Information Services.
• Customer relationship management, such as Oracle NetSuite and HubSpot.
• Enterprise resource planning systems, including SAP S/4HANA.
These applications use programmed instructions to manipulate, consolidate, disperse and
otherwise work with data for a business purpose.
Mobile applications that run on smartphones, tablets and other portable devices typically connect
with cloud or data center applications over the internet. These applications have expanded the
scope of computing and created a new category of software and telecommunications that
requires special expertise to maintain.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that come in many different forms,
including the monitor, servers, central processing unit, keyboard and mouse. Computer servers
run business applications. Servers interact with client devices in the client-server model. They also
communicate with other servers across computer networks, which typically link to the internet.
Storage is another type of hardware. It's any technology that holds information as data. Storage
can be local on a specific server or shared among many servers, and it could be installed on-
premises or accessed via a cloud service. Information that is stored can take many forms, including
file, multimedia, telephony, and web and sensor data. Storage hardware includes
volatile RAM (random-access memory) as well as non-volatile tape, hard disk drives and solid-
state drives.
Telecom equipment -- comprising network interface cards, cabling, wireless communications and
switching devices -- connects the hardware elements together and to external networks.
Abstracting hardware and software
Abstraction simplifies resource provisioning, management and scalability. By hiding the
complexities of hardware, abstraction streamlines resource allocation, ensuring optimal
utilization of available resources.
IT architectures have evolved to include virtualization and cloud computing, where physical
resources are abstracted and pooled in different configurations to meet application requirements.
Clouds can be distributed across locations and shared with other IT users, or they can be contained
within a corporate data center or some combination of both deployments.
Volatility is a characteristic of virtualized resources, enabling them to expand and contract as
needed. Subscription-based cloud or locally installed resources, such as storage or composable
architectures, can spin up resources, such as servers, OSes and application software, as needed
and then release them when processing is complete.
Information technology vs. computer science
When researching careers in IT, one is likely to come across the term computer science. While
there's an overlap between IT and computer science, the two disciplines are distinct and require
different courses of study to prepare for careers.
IT is generally associated with the application of technology to deal with business issues. As such,
the IT workforce is oriented toward developed technologies such as hardware systems, OSes and
application software. Proficiency in IT is required to identify the hardware and software
components that should be used to enhance a specific business process. IT pros work with a variety
of technologies, such as server OSes, communications devices and software and applications.
Career examples typically include roles such as database administrator, cybersecurity specialist
and network administrator.
Preparation for an IT career requires basic courses in hardware and software systems. A bachelor's
degree in IT and other programs might include the following subjects:
• Business analysis.
• Project management.
• Telecommunications.
• Network administration.
• Database design.
• Database management.
Computer science focuses on the logic and design of the underpinnings of the components that IT
experts use to assemble business systems. A strong mathematics background is required to pursue
a computer science career. Much of the work in computer science involves developing the
algorithms and logic and writing low-level code that enables computer systems to address
business problems.
Computer scientists might participate in the hardware and software engineering work required to
develop products. They're also likely to delve into more abstract technologies, such as AI and ML.
Roles in computer science include software developer, computer systems analyst, computer
programmer and computer information research scientist.
A course of study in computer science requires a foundation in computer concepts and advanced
mathematics. It could be complemented with the following subjects:
• AI and ML.
• Neural networks.
• Security systems.
• Data analytics.
• User experience.