Information Technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is the use of any 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
technology used for personal or entertainment purposes. The commercial use of IT encompasses
both computer technology and telecommunications.
The Harvard Business Review coined the term information technology to make a distinction
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.
What does information technology encompass?
The term information technology has grown to embrace an array of technologies and related
disciplines. IT still comprises basic computer-based information systems, including computing
hardware, operating systems (OSes), application software and the data that is processed to
produce useful information. Over time, each of these IT components and functions has become
more complex, embracing ever-growing subsets of technologies and methodologies.
For example, application development began as a relatively linear process where systems
analysts and programmers created code to achieve a business purpose. It has evolved into a more
cooperative and organic process that embodies application creation processes, such
as DevOps and agile software development.
Even operating systems -- the basic code that makes servers and client computers work -- have
taken on new dimensions. Technologies such as virtualization and containerization have broken,
or at least changed, the bond between OSes and host hardware. As a result, IT no longer just
happens locally; cloud computing environments now complement and even replace on-premises
resources of the traditional data center.
All these developments have made IT more complex and required greater specialization and new
roles and responsibilities from the IT workforce.
IT encompasses many different technologies, capabilities and functions.
Why is information technology important?
It's been said that data is what powers industries worldwide. That may 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 these core business practices, among others, including:
product development and design;
marketing and market research;
sales and invoicing;
customer development and retention;
accounting and taxes;
human resources and payroll; and
regulatory compliance.
Computing has penetrated practically every part of business and much of our personal lives, as
well. The ubiquity of computing -- also referred to as pervasive computing -- is another reason
why IT is critical. Computing devices have evolved well beyond personal computers (PCs) and
servers. Today, all businesses and most individuals have and use multiple computing devices,
including phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles and even doorbells, thermostats, vacuums and
many kitchen appliances.
Virtually all of these devices, many of which are part of the internet of things (IoT), tap into the
internet, which interconnects billions of devices worldwide. It's a complex and, potentially,
perilous environment that requires IT expertise for management, security, maintenance and
reliability.
IT software and hardware
IT includes several layers of physical equipment (hardware), virtualization, management
systems, automation tools, operating systems, other system software and applications used to
perform essential functions. As noted above, user devices, peripherals and software can be
included in the IT domain. IT can also refer to the architectures, methodologies and regulations
governing the use and storage of data.
Software
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:
OSes;
basic input/output systems (BIOSes);
boot programs;
assemblers; and
device drivers.
Business applications include:
databases, such as SQL Server;
transactional systems, such as real-time order entry;
email servers, like Microsoft Exchange
web servers, like Apache and Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS);
customer relationship management (CRM), such as Oracle NetSuite and HubSpot; and
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, like SAP S/4HANA.
These applications make use of 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
There are many different types of computer hardware. 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
may be local on a specific server or shared among many servers, and it may 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 sensors data. Storage hardware includes
volatile random-access memory (RAM) as well as non-volatile tape, hard disk drives and solid-
state drives.
Telecom equipment, comprising network interface cards (NICs), cabling, wireless
communications and switching devices, connect the hardware elements together and to external
networks.
Abstracting hardware and software
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 may 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, you're likely to come across the term computer science. While
there is overlap between IT and computer science, the two are distinct disciplines with different
courses of study to prepare for careers in either area.
Information technology
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.
Preparation for an IT career requires basic courses in hardware and software systems. IT degree
programs may include subjects such as:
business analysis
project management
telecommunications
network administration
database design
database management
Find out how IT and computer science differ.
Computer science
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 the low-level code that enables computer systems to address
business problems.
Computer scientists may participate in the hardware and software engineering work required to
develop products. They are also likely to delve into more abstract technologies, such as artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
A course of study in computer science requires a foundation in computer concepts and advanced
mathematics. It may be complemented with subjects such as:
AI and ML
neural networks
security systems
data analytics
user experience
IT education and job functions
A team of administrators and other technical staffers deploy and manage a company's IT
infrastructure and assets. IT teams depend on a range of specialized information and technology
skills and knowledge to support equipment, applications and activities. Third-party contractors
and IT vendor support personnel augment the IT team.
The information technology profession is extremely diverse. IT workers can specialize in fields
such as software development; application management; hardware components; server, storage
or network administration; network architecture; and more. Many businesses seek IT
professionals with mixed or overlapping skill sets.
Careers in information technology
There is a wide array of IT careers, each with varying technological and managerial requisites.
Among the most common IT job titles are the following:
Chief information officer (CIO). This person is responsible for IT and computer systems that
support the goals of the business.
Chief technology officer (CTO). This person sets the technology goals and policies within an
organization.
IT director. This person is responsible for the function of the business's technology tools and
processes. This role may also be called IT manager or IT leader.
System administrator (sys admin). This person configures, manages, supports and troubleshoots
a multiuser computing environment. Within a business, this role can be divided up by
technology, requiring an administrator or team dedicated to server, desktop, network
administration, virtualization, or other components and technologies.
Application manager. This person's role centers on the provisioning and management of a high-
value business application, such as Exchange.
Developer or software engineer. This person or team writes, updates and tests code for computer
programs to meet internal or customer-facing business objectives.
Chief IT architect or IT architect. This person examines and changes IT functions to best support
the business.
IT skills and certifications
A successful IT career will involve developing several technical skills. For the current IT job
market, these 10 skills are among those most in demand:
cybersecurity
cloud computing
edge computing and IoT
IT automation
software development
big data management and data analytics
DevOps
AI
ML
mobile application development
In the pursuit of these IT disciplines, it is advantageous to earn certification to demonstrate
proficiency in specific technologies and areas of expertise. Some of the most highly regarded
certifications include the following:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect -- Professional
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP)
Microsoft role-based certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
