Information technology (IT) is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.
The term is commonly used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones.
Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their businesses.
The field of information technology (IT) covers the design, administration and support of computer and telecommunications systems.
Some of the positions in this field include database and network administrators, computer support specialists, computer scientists, software programmers and system analysts.The majority of career tracks in IT entail design and operational tasks related to computer hardware components, networks and software applications.
Types of jobs in Information technology :
Professionals in the IT field work with businesses and organizations to set up and support viable computer networks that will keep systems efficient and reliable.
IT encompasses all hardware and software used in the storing, creation and accessing of information. Examples of technologies that professionals work with are firewalls, databases, media storage devices, networks and the Internet.
Advantages Of Information Technology
Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their businesses.
The field of information technology (IT) covers the design, administration and support of computer and telecommunications systems.
CAREER IN IT FIELD :
Types of jobs in Information technology :
- Applications developer
- Cartographer
- Database administrator
- Games developer
- Geographical information systems officer
- Information security specialist
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- IT sales professional
- IT technical support officer
- Multimedia programmer
- Multimedia specialist
- Network engineer
- Software tester
- Systems analyst
- Systems developer
- Technical author
- Web designer
Professionals in the IT field work with businesses and organizations to set up and support viable computer networks that will keep systems efficient and reliable.
Advantages Of Information Technology
1. Globalization -
- IT has not only brought the world closer together, but it has allowed the world's economy to become a single interdependent system.
- This means that not only share information can be shared quickly and efficiently, but also IT bring down barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries and countries are able to shares ideas and information with each other.
2. Communication -
- With the help of information technology, communication has also become cheaper, quicker, and more efficient.
- The internet has also opened up face to face direct communication from different parts of the world thanks to the helps of video conferencing.
- Many collaboration platform have been built in addition to face to face call via mobile devices like iphone.
3. Cost effectiveness -
- Information technology has helped to computerize the business process thus streamlining businesses to make them extremely cost effective money making machines.
- This in turn increases productivity which ultimately gives rise to profits that means better pay and less strenuous working conditions.
4.More time -
- IT has made it possible for businesses to be open 24 x7 all over the globe. This means that a business can be open anytime anywhere, making purchases from different countries easier and more convenient.
5. Creation of new jobs -
- Information technology helps is the creation of new and interesting jobs.
- Computer programmers, Systems analyzers, Hardware and Software developers and Web designers are just some of the many new employment opportunities created with the help of IT.
Inconveniences Of Information Technology
Some disadvantages of information technology include:
1. Unemployment -
- While information technology may have streamlined the business process it has also created job redundancies, downsizing and outsourcing. This means that a lot of lower and middle level jobs have been done away with causing more people to become unemployed.
2.Privacy -
- Though information technology may have made communication quicker, easier and more convenient, it has also bought along privacy issues.
- From cell phone signal interceptions to email hacking, people are now worried about their once private information becoming public knowledge.
3. Lack of job security -
- Industry experts believe that the Internet has made job security a big issue as since technology keeps on changing with each day. This means that one has to be in a constant learning mode, if he or she wishes for their job to be secure.
4. Dominant culture -
- While information technology may have made the world a global village, it has also contributed to one culture dominating another weaker one.
- For example it is now argued that US influences how most young teenagers all over the world now act, dress and behave.
- Languages too have become overshadowed, with English becoming the primary mode of communication for business and everything else.
IT AND ITS DEVELOPMENT
Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the fields of socioeconomic development, international development and human rights.
ICT4D can refer to assisting disadvantaged populations anywhere in the world, but it is usually associated with applications in developing countries.
It is concerned with directly applying information technology approaches to poverty reduction. ICTs can be applied directly, wherein its use directly benefits the disadvantaged population, or indirectly, wherein it can assist aid organisations or non-governmental organizations or governments or businesses to improve socio-economic conditions.
The field is an interdisciplinary research area through the growing number of conferences, workshops and publications.
This is partly due to the need for scientifically validated benchmarks and results, that can measure the effectiveness of current projects. This field has also produced an informal community of technical and social science researchers who rose out of the annual ICT4D conferences.
