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Information Technology
Stands for "Information Technology," and is pronounced "I.T." It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies. Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their businesses. IT jobs include computer programming, network administration, computer engineering, Web development, technical support, and many other related occupations. Since we live in the "information age," information technology has become a part of our everyday lives. That means the term "IT," already highly overused, is here to stay.
It seems that everything today is controlled by computers. From the supermarket to the doctor's office to the IRS, everyone keeps data on customers, patients, clients or business contacts. In fact, the evolution of the Internet has literally connected the world. Information technology specialists help to maintain and develop these computer systems.
History
While the term "information technology" was first coined in the 1970s, the inception of the original concept was actually during World War II, when the military was actively developing electronic technology, which included computers. In fact, until the 1950s, the military was the primary source of information technology progress. Since then, four major computer evolutions have occurred, each growing progressively physically smaller, yet more capable. The first micro-computer was marketed in 1975. And in 1981, IBM introduced the first personal computer, forever changing the face of IT. In fact, personal computers of today are capable of far more than even the most advanced systems of the 1960s, at literally a thousandth of the cost.
According to the Information Technology Association of America, information technology (commonly called simply IT) can be defined as "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." IT specialists handle everything related to computers, including data storage, database administration, and all other aspects related to information storage, retrieval, transmittal, protection, and processing information securely. IT specialists may also design software, manage computer hardware, design computer networks, and offer helpdesk assistance.
Since many offices literally cannot function without their computer systems, IT specialists are an extremely important part of any team. In addition to maintaining systems and system data, IT specialists and managers are often responsible for assisting with business plans, especially in relation to IT. They may help choose a company's software and computer hardware systems, coordinate installation of these components, and provide direct assistance to other employees in regard to these systems. They may set up email accounts, passwords, and employee specific access to company systems, among other things. Most IT specialists work a minimum of 40 hours per week in an office setting.
Those working in the IT field come from a variety of backgrounds. Most employers require a bachelor's degree for IT management positions, and some prefer a master's degree with a focus in technology. For other positions, similar degrees can be required, but some companies will hire those with vocational degrees or equivalent experience. IT experts also need to have a working understanding of business practices and laws specific to their company's industry. For example, those working in the health care industry must be familiar with the HIPAA laws.
If you're considering a career in information technology, it's a wise choice. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT field is growing more rapidly than others. The field is expected to grow 16 percent by 2016. In fact, 264,000 computer and information systems managers were employed in 2006. Of these, about one quarter worked in computer service related jobs like computer system designing and the related services. IT specialists can find work in a variety of settings today, especially considering that most companies use some form of computer system.
Advantages of information technology
Last ten to fifteen years have seen unprecedented growth in information technology (IT). To a layman these words mean a technology that helps in managing mind-boggling data, with the help of computer hardware and software. IT is more than that simple definition. It encompasses database management system with networking system, appropriate hardware and software, apart from systems administration function.
Do we really gain from this IT After all, the data has always been around, and somehow or the other, it has always been managed, isn't it? Following is a list of perceivable benefits from information technology.
Speed - Computers calculate a whole lot faster than human beings. Which means that more numbers can be crunched in a jiffy. Therefore, more work can be accomplished within the same number of working hours.
Cost effectiveness A single employee can perform all the data management chores that were formerly being done by 5 or more employees. Therefore, overhead costs come down. Computer calculations also indicate the resources that are not being optimally utilized so that corrective measures can be taken in time, thereby bringing down production costs.
Accurate results - Crucial decisions based on computer calculations are more likely to be correct than those based on human calculations. This is because the probability of errors in calculations by human beings is greater. Computers also help in taking a decision when faced with two or more alternatives. They do not need another day to rework the data if any variable is altered.
Globalization -
Networking is a crucial component of IT. Through networking information can be shared across the world. The language barrier is no longer existent as software that translates information to required languages is also a part of this form of networking.
Trade convenience Internet is a great place to post an advertisement for selling any product. As it is accessed across the globle, it is possible to receive quotations from other parts of world. Similarly, if one needs to buy any product, there is a large variety to choose from on the Internet, or net as it is commonly known. Goods bought can also be paid for through Internet. Even monthly utility bills, credit card bills, etc., can be paid through Internet.
Increase in standard of living cost savings achieved through optimal utilization of resources as suggested by computer calculations, result in lowering the prices of goods. In addition, networking has facilitated access to different markets across the globe, where competitive prices are available for similar goods. This helps buyer to get the best bargains, as similar products across globe have to be priced competitively.
Communication information technology has taken communication function into its fold. Consequently, sending that letter through post offices is no longer a necessary evil. Sending an e-mail is much faster, and much easier. In addition, technological advancements like Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP allow people to hold conferences across countries. There are instances where operations have been performed by local surgeons with help of instructions from senior surgeon residing in some other country.
Creation of new jobs it is true that information technology has made mechanical jobs like that of a typist, redundant. But it is also true that new lines like software engineer, hardware engineer, network administrator, data analyst, etc., have emerged because of information technology. These jobs are more intellectually stimulating. Therefore, the staff is likely to experience greater job satisfaction. The pay packet associated with these jobs is also higher.
The list is by no means comprehensive for one could say improvement in computer chips and circuit boards now helps in traffic control thereby preventing delays and accidents. Or improvement in property documents storage method prevents people from attempting frauds. Because information technology covers such wide range of activities, it is difficult to define the advantages from perspective of everybody. However, nobody can deny that their lives have improved for better since the last decade or two, primarily because of computers. |
