Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data[1] or information. IT is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies.[2] IT is considered to be a subset of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology system (IT system) is generally an information system, a communications system or, more specifically speaking, a computer system – including all hardware, software and peripheral equipment – operated by a limited group of users.
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Business Dictionary defines Information Technology as a, "set of tools, processes, and methodologies (such as coding/programming, data communications, data conversion, storage and retrieval, systems analysis and design, systems control) and associated equipment employed to collect, process, and present information." In broad terms, IT also includes office automation, multimedia, and telecommunications.
Source: https://cio-wiki.org/wiki/Information_Technology_(IT)
The most basic information technology definition is that it's the application of technology to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale. No matter the role, a member of an IT department works with others to solve technology problems, both big and small.
There are three primary pillars of responsibility for an IT department:
IT governance: This refers to the combination of policies and processes that ensure IT systems are effectively run and in alignment with the organization’s needs.
IT operations: This is a catchall category for the daily work of an IT department. This includes providing tech support, network maintenance, security testing and device management duties.
Hardware and infrastructure: This focus area refers to all the physical components of IT infrastructure. This pillar of IT includes the setup and maintenance of equipment like routers, servers, phone systems and individual devices like laptops.
Source: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/what-is-information-technology/
The IT industry is roughly 50 years old. During that period of time it’s experienced many digital transformations. Technology transitions from mainframe computers to client-server architectures to personal PCs and to the Internet, the cloud and the smartphone have been chronicled in depth by many others. We currently find ourselves in another transition involving a host of new technologies such as machine learning, blockchain ledgers, containerized applications, serverless computing, microservices, IoT, etc.
Source: https://www.cio.com/article/3445356/information-technology-what-is-it-good-for.html
Technology in business is a growing necessity. As the years go by, the business world is leaning more and more toward it, making it almost impossible to separate the two from each other. Innovation breeds business, and since technology paves the way for it, it can be gathered here that business needs technology to be sustained.
Business has always existed since the early times of man. Even though it only began with the simplistic barter system, business would not be the same as it is today without the advancements in technology. All the major industries would fall into a catastrophic collapse if one were to take away technology from business, since majority of business operations and transactions somehow involve the use of technology.
TECHNOLOGY AS A BUSINESS NECESSITY
The role of technology in business caused a tremendous growth in trade and commerce. Business concepts and models were revolutionized as a result of the introduction of technology. This is because technology gave a new and better approach on how to go about with business. It provided a faster, more convenient, and more efficient way of performing business transactions.
Some of actions of technology in business include accounting systems, management information systems, point of sales systems, and other simpler or more complicated tools. Even the calculator is a product of technology. It is indeed unfathomable to summon the idea of going back to the days where everything was done manually, which basically means starting all over again from scratch.
Technology in business made it possible to have a wider reach in the global market. The basic example is the Internet, which is now a common marketing tool to attract more consumers in availing products and services offered by various businesses.
With the introduction of computers, the business world was changed forever. Using computers and software, businesses use information technology to ensure that their departments run smoothly. They use information technology in a number of different departments including human resources, finance, manufacturing, and security.
Source: https://blog.udemy.com/importance-of-information-technology/
Application software (app for short) is a program or group of programs designed for end users. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, an email client, a media player, a file viewer, simulators, a console game or a photo editor. The collective noun application software refers to all applications collectively.[1] This contrasts with system software, which is mainly involved with running the computer.
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately, and may be coded as proprietary, open-source or university projects.[2] Apps built for mobile platforms are called mobile apps.
Today's businesses are multidimensional. Customer orders affect fulfillment, accounting, personnel, inventory, sales, and other operational functions. Supplier shipments require input from receiving functions, and management provides forecasts and planning models for other departments to follow. So how do today's businesses manage collecting and sharing information throughout the company? By creating and integrating a flow of information through technological means. The chief information officer (CIO) is usually responsible for the management of IT functions in larger companies, whereas small businesses typically hire independent firms to manage their computerized systems.