Class IX

Subject: Information Technology

Chapter 2 Introduction to IT -ITeS Industry

Introduction Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one

of the basic requirements of the modern society. In today’s digital era, we use
mobile devices to perform the tasks of our daily life. It is difficult to think of any
event without the use of digital devices. Information Technology (IT) is one of the
world’s fastest growing economic activities, which envisages easier flow of
information at various levels in the desired pattern. The Information Technology
enabled Services (ITeS) sector has not only changed the way the world looks at our
country but has also made significant contributions to the Indian economy. This
session will introduce the basic concepts and ideas related to Information
Technology (IT) and IT enabled Services (ITeS). Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) means creating, managing, storing and exchanging
information. IT includes all types of technology used to deal with information,
such as computer hardware and software technology used for creating, storing, and
transferring information. Computer takes data as input, processes it and produces
the results as output. The information is the result of data processing. Data refers to
the facts or raw material, which are processed to get the information. Number of
boys and girls in a class is a factual data of the classroom. This is an example of
data related to the students in the class. Some conclusion can be drawn based on
the data. This conclusion is information. The decisions are taken on the basis of
data and information. IT is a tightly integrated part of business. Computers and
information systems are an essential part of every business today. Like accounting
and legal, every business needs to invest in technology to compete. IT has several
benefits for a business, such as it helps in reaching more potential customers,
developing a business relationship with potential customers, streamlining
operations, reducing costs, improving efficiency, maximizing profit, minimizing
waste, providing better service to customers, supporting better relationships with
key partners, and allowing customers to better guide the business. Information
Technology enabled Services (ITeS) Information Technology that enables the
business by improving the quality of service is Information Technology enabled
Services (ITeS). ITeS is also called web-enabled services or remote services that
cover the entire operations which exploit Information Technology for improving
the efficiency of an organization. These services provide a wide range of career
options that include opportunities in all offices like call centres, payrolls, logistics
management, revenue claims processing, medical billing, coding, medical
transcription, legal databases, back office operations, content development, GIS
(geographical information system), web services and Human Resource (HR)
services, etc. ITeS is defined as outsourcing of processes that can be enabled with
information technology and covers diverse areas like finance, HR, administration,
health care, telecommunication, manufacturing, etc.
E-enabled services radically reduce costs and improve service standards. In short,
Internet service provider aims to provide B2B e-commerce solutions. ITeS offers
different services integrated in a single delivery mechanism to end users. The
services may include: Medical Transcription, Customer Relationship Management,
Data Entry and Data Processing, Software development, Data Warehousing, IT
Help Desk Services, Enterprise Resource Planning and Telecommunication
Services. BPO services Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services means
performing business operations through an outside service provider. BPO also
comes under IT services as IT plays a very useful role in optimizing the business
performance. The BPO industry is highly organized and hence various kinds of
jobs are outsourced in India. India has the expertise in reducing costs with firm
control on the quality of the service.
Some of the BPO services are as follows: (a) Financial and Accounting Services
(b) Taxation and Insurance Services (c) E-Publishing and Web Promotion (d)
Legal Services and Content Writing (e) Multimedia and Design Services (f)
Document Management Services (g) Software Testing Services (h) Health Care
Services BPM industry in India The IT BPM (Business Process Management)
industry has been fueling India’s growth. In addition to contributing towards the
country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports, the growth of the IT BPM
industry has provided India with a wide range of economic and social benefits
which includes creating employment, raising income levels, and promoting
exports. It has placed India on the world map with an image of a technologically
advanced and knowledge-based economy. This sector attracts amongst the largest
investments by venture.
The IT-BPM industry has almost doubled in terms of revenue and contribution to
India’s GDP over the last decade (2008–18). BPO Service Industry is doing
exceptionally well in India because of the following advantages:
(a) BPO service providers in India invest in hi-tech hardware and software to
deliver the best of services. They follow quality checks to ensure error free and
exceptional service.
(b) Government of India is encouraging the BPO Industry in India by providing
necessary infrastructure and logistical support.
(c) BPO Industry in India is highly developed and capable of delivering numerous
types of BPO services in exceptional quality.
Structure of the IT-BPM industry
The organizations within the IT-BPM industry are categorized along the following
parameters:
• Sector the organization is serving
• Type as well as range of offering the organization provides
• Geographic spread of operations
• Revenues and size of operations
(a) Multinational Companies (MNCs): MNCs have their headquarters outside
India but operate in multiple locations worldwide including those in India.
They cater to external clients (both domestic and/or global).
(b) Indian Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs started with their operations in India.
Most of these organizations have their headquarters in India while having
offices in many international locations. While most have a client base, which is
global as well as domestic, there are some that have focused on serving only
the Indian clients.
(c) Global In-house Centers (GIC): GIC organizations cater to the needs of their
parent company only and do not serve external clients.This model allows the
organization the option to keep IT Operations in-house and at the same time
 take advantage of expanding their global footprint and offering opportunities
for innovation in a cost-effective manner.

IT applications
In technologically developed nations, Information Technology has become a part
of everyday life. For a user, computer is a tool that provides the desired
information, whenever needed. The use of computer and Information Technology
can be observed at home, workplace, in the modern service industry and in all
aspects of our life. It includes listening to music, watching movies, playing games,
doing office work, chatting and sending messages, managing daily planner, reading
books, paying utility bills, booking ticket to travel, bank operations, etc.
Computers and ICT is used in industries, in offices, and in house also. The various
application areas are business, banking, insurance, education, marketing, health-
care, engineering design, military, communication, animation, research, agriculture
and government.
IT in home computing
A personal computer (PC) is used to work at home, to do household accounts, play
games, surf the web, use IT applications Domestic Data Entry Operator – Class IX
e-mail, create music, and pursue a range of other hobbies. PC is also used to play
games. It includes action games, role playing games, puzzles and many more. A
PC with a CD-ROM drive, sound card, and speakers can play audio CD. A
computer can be used from home to study a wide range of online training courses.
Computers and digital devices are now used for online shopping and e-commerce.
IT in everyday life
In our daily life, we use washing machines, microwave oven and many other
products using which have embedded software. We can store all the information
about our important work, appointments schedules and list of contacts in a
computer. Computer is, therefore, playing a very important role in our lives and
now we cannot imagine the world without computers. IT in library Nowadays
many libraries are computerized. Each book has a barcode associated with it. This
makes it easier for the library to a keep track of books and the availability of a
specific book. Computer software is used to issue and return the book. Each book
in the library has a magnetic strip attached to it that is deactivated before the book
can be borrowed.
IT at workplace
In the office environment, computers and computer applications are used to
perform office work more effectively.
In assembly-line industries, where attention to detail, speed and efficiency are
important, automation is becoming more and more common. Internet and Office
applications form the basis of modern business.
IT in education
Computers and Information Technology are extensively used in education for
teaching-learning and assessment. The software and hardware technology is used
for creation and transmission of information in various forms including still
pictures, audio, video and animation to the learners. The learning becomes easy
and accessible through IT. A lot of teaching resources are available for teachers to
teach in a better way. Online assessment helps to assess the students without any
biasness. The students, teachers and educational administrators and every
stakeholder in the education sector has benefitted with the integration of IT in
education.
(a) ICT in the classroom
There are many ways in which the ICT is used for education in the
classroom, such as
• e-learning classrooms;
• smart-board presentations;
• videos on experiments;
• creation of images and video;
• desktop publishing of magazines, letters and documents;
• educational games; • learning using the CD-ROM media; and
• gathering educational information on the Internet.
(b) Education — anywhere anytime any student in India can access the NCERT
book online through the website www.epathshala.nic.in or mobile app. Apart
from this there are a variety of websites and mobile apps to access educational
resources on any topic. You can also contact a teacher or a trainer via Internet
to use WBT (Web-based Training). In this way education has reached the far
flung areas by reaching the unreached.
(c) Teaching aids and media ICT is used mostly as a teaching aid in schools to
 • use pictures, animations and audio-visuals to explain subjects that are
difficult to explain.
• make the lessons interesting using presentations.
• organize lessons using the computer. • obtain the information relevant to the
subjects.
(d) Learning Management System (LMS) A Learning Management System (LMS)
is being used by many countries to manage school systems. A student or teacher
can register himself/herself on the official website to access LMS and can get
many services from LMS.
The student can be benefited by using LMS, as it can be used to
• learn lessons anytime and anywhere.
• submit queries, getting replies and submit comments through forums.
• participate in the co-curricular activities via video.
• monitor the progress of their children (by parents).
IT in entertainment
Information Technology has had a major impact on the entertainment industry.
Internet is a major source of entertainment. One can download and view movies,
play games, chat, use multimedia, incorporate visual and sound effects using
computers, etc. Digital broadcasting has changed the way we experience television,
with more interactive programming and participation.
IT in communication
Communication is used to convey messages and ideas, pictures, or speeches. A
person who receives this must understand clearly and correctly. Modern
communication makes use of the computer system. We use computers for email,
chatting, FTP, telnet and video conferencing.
IT in business
Computers are used in business organizations for payroll calculation, budgeting,
sales analysis, financial forecasting, managing and maintaining stocks. A lot of
business transactions happen through Internet called e-commerce. IT facilitates
marketing, customer visit, product browsing, shopping basket checkout, tax and
shopping, receipt and process order. E-commerce offers services pertaining to
processing inventory management, transactions, documentation, presentations, and
gathering product information. Smart cards, such as credit cards and debit cards are
used in shops. These cards have a metallic strip on which the user’s Personal
Identification Number (PIN), and account number is stored and can be read when it
is passed through a special reader. Airlines use large-scale computer applications
for their reservations system, both in the airports and in central reservations call-
centers. Other businesses that have large-scale computing requirements are
insurance claims systems and online banking, which both have large numbers of
users and operators interacting across one system.
IT in science and engineering
Scientists and engineers use computers for performing complex scientific
calculations, Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Manufacturing
(CAM) applications are used for drawing, designing and for simulating and testing
the designs. Computers are used for storing large amount of data, performing
complex calculations and for visualizing 3-dimensional objects. Complex scientific
applications like rocket launching, space exploration, etc., are not possible without
the computers.
IT in banking
Computer is an essential part of the modern banking system. Every activity of a
bank is now online. The customer’s data and transactions are recorded by
computers. Recurring deposits (e-RD), Fixed Deposits (e-FD), money transfer
from one account to another (NEFT, RTGS), and online transactions are done
using Internet. Capital market transactions, financial analysis and related services
are available in online platforms. Bank customers use Automated Teller Machines
(ATM) for cash deposits and withdrawal, or to view current balance.
IT in insurance
Insurance companies keep all records up to date with the help of computer
database. Procedures for continuation of policies, starting date, date of next
installment, maturity date, interest dues, survival benefits, and bonus are declared
by using computers in insurance companies. Many online policies are also
available which can be purchased by using the website of insurance companies.
IT in marketing
In marketing, computers are used for advertising of products, by using arts and
graphics facility it is possible to create interesting advertisements of various
products so that the goal of selling can be achieved. Using e-commerce websites,
people can purchase items even sitting at home.
IT in health care
ICT is used in the health sector in numerous ways. Hospital Management System
is used to maintain and manage patients’ records as well as various activities
pertaining to hospital administration. The computerized machines are used for
ECG, EEG, Ultrasound and CT Scan. The variety of measuring instruments and
surgical equipment are used to monitor patients’ conditions during complex
surgery. Expert system is used for diagnosis. Health care manufacturing companies
use computers to aid the production of diagnostic tools and instruments.
Computers are an integral part of laboratories and dispensaries. They are used in
scanning and diagnosing different diseases.
(a) Use of ICT in diagnosis
With the advancements in computer hardware and software technology,
various high-tech machines are used in the diagnosis and treatment of critical
diseases. Using expert system, diseases can be diagnosed at the early stages and
the patients can be given treatment accordingly. Some of these machines are:
(i) Computerized Axial Tomography Machine (CAT):
Using this machine three-dimensional (3D) images of different parts of
the body can be made. These images are helpful in the diagnosis of
diseases.
(ii) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine):
MRI machines are used to give the digital impression of internal organs
of the body by using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. The digital
images are very helpful in the detection and in deciding the treatment of
diseases.
(iii) Electrocardiogram (ECG) Machine:
The ECG machine is used to monitor the heartbeat. When the heart
pumps blood to different parts of the body some electrical impulses are
produced. This machine records the electrical impulses and shows it in
the form of a graph.
(iv) Cardiac Screening Machine:
 This machine displays the physiology of the heart and it displays the
movements inside the heart. Through this machine it is possible to
diagnose problems of the heart, such as thinning of veins and then
recommend treatment.
(v) EEG (Electro - encephalography) Machine:
This machine is used to record the activities of the brain. The small
electrical probes attached to the head receive the electrical impulses of
the brain and display them on a computer screen. This device can retrieve
the data in both states where a patient is awake or asleep.
(vi) Blood Sugar Testing Machine:
This device analyses a sample of blood and determines the blood glucose
level.
(vii) Blood Pressure Measuring Machine:
This device which is worn as a wrist band can measure the blood
pressure of a person at rest or when he/she is involved in some physical
activity.

IT in the government and public service

The government uses large-scale computer applications in its daily operations and
is actively encouraging e-governance practices. Digital India and e-governance
initiative of Government of India are best examples of this. Government and Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as well as International Government
Agencies use ICT applications to communicate and provide various services to the
people and is called as e-governance. There are various official web portals of the
Government of India for e-governance. There are various advantages of e-
governance. The Income tax department, sales tax department, preparations of
voters list, preparation of PAN card makes use of the computer system. Many
government services are available online. Electricity bills can now be paid online.
The government uses electronic voting for elections, by replacing the traditional
voting slip and ballot box. People can enroll themselves in the electoral roll
through the State Election Commission portal. Computers are common-place in
modern society, and tend to make previously laborious manual tasks of data entry
much simpler and quicker.
Some of the characteristics of computers that set it apart from jobs that humans
perform are:
1. SPEED: A computer works at exceedingly high speeds. Millions of instructions
per second was a normal speed of computer about a decade ago.
2. ACCURACY: Computer works accurately. The accuracy of computer output is
limited only by the accuracy of the input provided to the computer. This
phenomenon is known as GIGO. i.e. Garbage In Garbage Out. So, if the input is
erroneous the output will also be erroneous.
3. DILIGENCE: A computer is very diligent in how it executes the instructions
given to it. Unlike humans, who sometimes get bored by repetitive work or slack
off for no reason, computers work endlessly unless met with system failure or
Power outage or human intervention.
4. EASY TO LEARN:Although the computer is intrinsically complicated
machine working at the interface of computer human is easy and pressing some
buttons and moving the mouse usually gets the computer do a large number of
things if not all of that computer can display the large number of things, if not all
of that computers can display. The large number of users of computer in India
prove that computers are swiftly learn by the general public many of home also
money by working on it.