What Is Information Technology? (+Uses in Business and Life)

When you hear the phrase IT, you probably think of the techies at your company who fix the computer issues.

In reality, IT, or Information Technology, is much more than that. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the term “information technology” has been around since 1958.

Each year, technology encompasses more and more of our daily lives, so what IT once meant has evolved over time. With IT adoption spanning across organizations, managed IT service provider software can be helpful in consistent monitoring, oversight into the entire IT infrastructure, on-demand IT support, and more. 

What is information technology?

You would be hard-pressed to find a company that doesn’t at least partially rely on computers, IT software, and the networks that connect them during their day-to-day tasks. Simply put, most businesses and organizations would crumble without functioning IT systems. So, what exactly is information technology?

The term IT is commonly used as a synonym for computers and their networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies, like television and smartphones. Essentially, IT refers to anything related to computing technology.

Uses of information technology in business

Whether you work in a large or small business, Information Technology will play a large role in your day-to-day tasks. Businesses use IT in three main ways: to support basic information processing tasks, help with decision-making, and support innovation.

For instance, when it comes to information processes, IT is used to streamline tasks from computing and printing payroll to creating presentations. IT also supports building websites for products and services.

When it comes to decision-making tasks, businesses should use IT to understand metrics like which customers have overdue accounts or when customers are showcasing shopping cart abandonment.

To support innovation, IT tools in the workplace allow for continued research on topics. Think about where we’d be without the internet. Honestly, it’s hard to fathom, but this tool is a vital aspect of information technology.

Here are some additional real-world use cases of information technology in business. 

• Enhanced collaboration: IT facilitates seamless communication within teams and across departments through email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools. This helps streamline workflows, improves sharing, and fosters collaboration.
• Increased efficiency: IT also enables remote work possibilities and real-time data access, boosting overall efficiency and productivity.
• Improved Customer Relationship Management (CRM): CRM software allows businesses to track customer interactions, personalize marketing efforts, and provide better customer service.
• Data-driven decision making: Business intelligence (BI) tools and data analytics software empower businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data insights.
• Enhanced security and risk management: IT security solutions protect sensitive business data from cyberattacks. Data backup plans ensure business continuity in case of unforeseen disruptions.

Uses of information technology in society

As a society, we have taken steps to embrace IT more than ever before. We see it almost everywhere, especially in online education, social networks, smartphones, job creation, agriculture, and entertainment.

• Education and Learning: Thanks to IT, students can learn from anywhere there is an internet connection, no matter where they are and what their topic of interest is. IT provides access to a vast amount of educational resources online.  The same can be said for those working remotely, as IT makes this easier than ever before.
• Social connection: IT is also bringing society leaps and bounds ahead of communicating and having relationships with others. Whether it be keeping up with college friends on Facebook or finding love on Match.com, Information Technology makes this all possible.
• Healthcare: IT plays a crucial role in healthcare, from storing electronic medical records to facilitating consultations. Technology also aids in medical research.
• Entertainment: Streaming services, online gaming, and social media platforms provide a vast array of entertainment options, catering to diverse interests.
• Innovation: IT plays a vital role in scientific research by enabling data analysis, complex simulations, and collaboration between researchers across the globe. This accelerates scientific discovery and innovation.

Information technology examples

Whether you find yourself in a conventional workplace or not, you are bound to encounter and use Information Technology in varying aspects of your life. Some that you may encounter include:

• Telephone and radio equipment
• Performance management software for managing goal setting and performance review
• Software for word processing and spreadsheets
• Video conferencing equipment
• Personal computers
• Content management software for blogging and collaboration

Information technology jobs

When it comes to growing careers, jobs in Information Technology are skyrocketing. The field of IT encompasses a wide range of career paths, with some being more popular than others. Responsibilities range from keeping systems and data secure to making sure networks are up and running.

• Technical support
• Programmer
• Web developer
• Computer systems analyst
• Network Engineer
• IT security specialist 
• Software engineer 
• Data analyst
• IT project manager 
• Systems analyst

Benefits of a career in IT

A career in IT offers a multitude of advantages, making it a highly sought-after field:

• High demand and job security: The IT industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a constant demand for skilled professionals. This translates to a secure job market. 
• Competitive salaries: IT jobs typically offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, making them a financially rewarding career option.
• Career advancement: The IT field provides numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization. With continuous learning and skill development, individuals can progress to higher-paying job roles.
• Problem-solving: IT careers offer a dynamic environment with challenges and opportunities to solve complex problems using innovative solutions.
• Remote work opportunities: Many IT jobs allow for remote work arrangements, offering flexibility to employees.
• Impact on the world: IT plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of our lives. An IT career allows you to contribute to technological advancements and positive solutions.

No matter the role, those who work in IT need to be able to solve technology problems, both big and small.

Not just for techies

Information technology is composed of several moving parts, and without it, we wouldn’t have some of our most-loved products and software programs. Whether you find yourself to be extremely tech-savvy or a novice in the realm of technology, chances are you can’t go a day without using some element of information technology.

Interested in learning more about the ins and outs of IT? Check out everything you need to know about cyber security and 13 cyber security tips from the experts! 

This article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new information.