Which of the following roles does technology provide to business processes?
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. Show
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 IT department ensures that the organization's systems, networks, data and applications all connect and function properly. The IT team handles three major areas:
Most IT staff have different responsibilities within the team that break into several key areas including:
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. This article is part of What is IT/OT convergence? Everything you need to know
Download1 Download this entire guide for FREE now! Data processing plays a significant role in these core business practices, among others, including:
Computing has penetrated practically every part of business and much of our personal lives. 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 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 these devices, many of which are part of the 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. Examples of information technologySo how is IT actually involved in day-to-day business? Consider five common examples of IT and teams at work:
Software vs. hardwareIT includes several layers of physical equipment (hardware), virtualization, management systems, automation tools, operating systems, other system software and applications used to perform essential functions. 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. SoftwareThere 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:
Business applications include:
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. HardwareThere 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 softwareIT 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 scienceWhen 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 technologyIT 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:
Computer scienceComputer 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:
Careers in information technologyA 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. 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:
IT skills and certificationsA successful IT career will involve developing several technical skills. For the current IT job market, these 10 skills are among those most in demand:
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: What is the role of technology in a business?Technology helps increase the efficiency of systems, products and services. It helps track and streamline processes, maintain data flow and manage contacts and employee records. In fact, this increased efficiency in operation helps reduce costs as well as enable the business to grow rapidly.
What is technology in business process?Business Process Technology consists of information technology and solutions that are used for managing business processes and executing business transactions, i.e. systems that support day-to-day business operations.
How does technology improve business processes?Automation of Business Processes
Information technology can help develop automated processes for businesses by reducing the cost of operation, saving time, and focusing on other tasks. Thus, it helps speed up the business process significantly.
What is the role of technology in business communication?In many ways than one, technology simplifies communication. Whether it's a social connection or you are trying to relay mission critical data, things are no longer want they used to be. IT is fundamental for effective communication internally and externally.
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