BS English Application of ICT
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ICT (information and communications technology)
What is ICT (information and communications technology or technologies)?
ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is
the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Among the
goals of IC technologies, tools and systems is to improve the way humans create,
process and share data or information with each other. Another is to help them
improve their abilities in numerous areas, including business; education;
medicine; real-world problem-solving; and even leisure activities related to
sports, music, and movies.
There is no single, universal definition of ICT because the technologies, devices
and even ideas related to ICT are constantly evolving. However, the term is
generally accepted to mean all devices, networking components and applications.
When combined, these help people and organizations interact in the digital
world.
What technologies are included in ICT?
ICT encompasses the internet-enabled sphere and the mobile one powered
by wireless networks. It includes antiquated technologies, such
as landline telephones, radio and television broadcast -- all of which remain
widely used alongside today's cutting-edge ICT pieces, such as artificial
intelligence and robotics.
The internet, internet of things, metaverse, virtual reality and social media are
also part of ICT, as are cloud computing services, video conferencing and
collaboration tools, unified communications systems and mobile communication
networks. Emerging, work-in-progress or still-nascent technologies
like 5G/6G, Web3, and quantum computing are also in the ICT universe.
BS English Application of ICT
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Any technology, infrastructure, component, or device that enables
communications, data sharing, and global connectivity between humans and
between humans and machines is included in the umbrella term ICT.
BS English Application of ICT
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ICT vs. IT
The acronym ICT is sometimes used synonymously with IT. However, ICT is generally
used to represent a more comprehensive list of all components related to computer
and digital technologies.
IT is more about managing the technologies related to information, and its various
technical aspects, including software, hardware, and networking. IT
management does not include considerations of telecommunications devices and
technologies while ICT does. IT can be considered a subset of ICT.
What are the components of ICT?
The list of ICT components is exhaustive and continues to grow. Some components,
such as computers and telephones, have existed for decades. Others, such
as smartphones, digital TVs and robots, are more recent entries.
ICT components include the following:
Devices (hardware).
Software.
Middleware.
Data.
Wired networks.
Wireless networks.
Communication technologies.
The cloud.
Communications protocols and interfaces.
Information security and governance policies.
BS English Application of ICT
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ICT means more than its list of components. It encompasses the application of all
those various components. It's here that the real potential, power and danger of ICT
emerges -- for economic, societal, and interpersonal transactions and interactions.
Why ICT is important for businesses
For businesses, advances within ICT have brought a slew of cost savings,
opportunities and conveniences. They include the following:
Highly automated businesses processes that have cut costs.
The big data revolution, where organizations are turning the vast trove of data
generated by ICT into insights that drive new products and services.
ICT-enabled transactions such as internet shopping and telemedicine and social
media that give customers more choices in how they shop, communicate and
interact.
