Today's enterprise businesses depend on data management as much as physical operations. This has given rise to two specialised fields: information technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).
IT primarily involves systems for handling electronic data to support communication and process information. Common IT components include computers, databases and networking devices that collect and secure data, helping businesses streamline and manage workflows and connect teams across locations. IT infrastructure also safeguards data integrity and confidentiality and helps ensure its availability across departments.
OT, on the other hand, focuses on monitoring and controlling physical assets and processes. This is most prominent in industries like manufacturing, energy and utilities, but operational technology may be relevant in any environment that includes hardware and software for managing machinery and industrial processes. OT systems often operate in real-time, overseeing production to maintain safety and equipment performance. In these high-stakes settings, OT solutions ensure that equipment functions as expected, with minimal risk to personnel and infrastructure.
Obviously, IT and OT both play essential roles in business operations. That said, they serve very different functions. To better understand these differences, let's take a look at how they compare in key areas:
- Purpose IT focuses on data management, communication and supporting business functions (such as finance, HR and information storage). It manages and ensures data availability and integrity. OT, by contrast, is concerned with controlling and monitoring physical processes and equipment, which is essential for industries like manufacturing, utilities and transportation. Its role centres on maintaining safety, efficiency and continued operations.
- Environment IT operates in traditional computing environments, including data centres, the cloud and end-user devices like computers and smartphones. OT, however, functions in industrial settings and operates with specialised machinery and control systems. This often includes equipment like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems and even robots designed to monitor and control physical processes.
- Security IT security is built around the concept of data protection—only allowing data access to authorised individuals. OT security prioritises the safety and functionality of physical processes, as an OT failure could lead to operational downtime, equipment damage or harmful accidents. The focus in OT security is on ensuring that machinery and systems remain functional and secure.
- System updates IT systems typically receive frequent updates (either scheduled or automated) to enhance performance and keep software current, while also patching any known vulnerabilities. OT systems have a much longer lifespan and may require less frequent updates, as this kind of maintenance can disrupt critical industrial processes. When updates are needed, they are carefully managed to minimise downtime and avoid impacting operational continuity.
OT and IT also have their own distinct networks. The primary differences between each include:
- Device adaptability OT network devices are often compact and modular, allowing for installation in a range of locations (walls, poles, within vehicles and industrial equipment etc.). In contrast, IT hardware is generally confined to data centres or office environments.
- Industrial durability OT network infrastructure is usually rugged enough to survive deployment in industrial conditions. Devices must withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, moisture, corrosive chemicals and other harsh elements. IT equipment typically does not require this kind of protection.
- Specialised connectivity OT networks often support specialised interfaces for industrial internet of things (IIoT) connectivity, which extend communication range and power efficiency. IT networks typically use Ethernet or wi-fi, prioritising speed and increased data throughput.
- Communication protocols OT devices rely on unique communication protocols to connect with IoT sensors and machines. These protocols establish specialised communication for industrial operations, differing significantly from standard IT protocols.
Additionally, there are distinct differences between the devices used in each of these fields.
- Purpose-built vs. general-purpose OT devices are designed for specific industrial tasks, such as controlling machinery or monitoring physical processes, often requiring 24/7 reliability. In contrast, IT devices support general-purpose tasks like data processing and storage.
- Lifespan and durabilityOT devices must operate continuously for many years, often in challenging conditions like extreme temperatures or high vibration environments. IT devices have shorter lifespans, typically around 3-5 years, and are normally kept in climate-controlled settings.
- Operating systems and software IT devices use widely adopted operating systems like Windows, iOS and Linux, making them relatively easy to update and maintain. OT devices tend to often run on specialised (or even proprietary) software and may incorporate unique communication protocols, making them harder to update and integrate.
- Maintenance and accessibility IT devices are easier to maintain, with regular updates and straightforward replacement options. OT devices may be installed in remote or industrial locations, making access difficult. Maintenance of these devices is often a complex task, as changes can impact the entire industrial process.
Differences notwithstanding, IT and OT may have more in common than they have setting them apart. Particularly as technology and cybersecurity needs continue to evolve, they share a number of central goals and approaches:
- Operational efficiency
Both OT and IT work to improve efficiency within organisations. IT does this by optimising data management and business processes, while OT focuses on enhancing the performance of industrial processes. - Technology adoption
IT and OT similarly integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and cloud computing. These tools improve data analysis, automation and decision-making, driving more effective operations in both fields. - Multifaceted skills
As OT and IT converge, the workforces that interact with them increasingly require interdisciplinary expertise. This makes it possible to manage cybersecurity, troubleshoot integrated systems and maximise the benefits of OT and IT resources. - Access control
Both OT and IT enforce strict access control measures to ensure that only authorised personnel can get into sensitive systems or data. This protects against unauthorised interference, regardless of whether the target is data or physical equipment. - Data security
Both fields prioritise data security to protect against breaches and unauthorised access. In OT, this includes protecting data that is essential for physical processes, while IT security focuses on business and customer data. - Trusted inventory
Maintaining a verified inventory of assets is essential regardless of environment, helping ensure that all hardware and software are secure, compliant and operating as intended. - Threat/risk visibility
Both OT and IT rely on threat detection tools to monitor systems for potential risks. While the types of risks differ, there is always a shared need for observability into systems and their vulnerabilities. - Coordinated, consistent execution
In both domains, consistent execution of security protocols and system operations is essential. This coordinated approach helps ensure that disruptions are minimised and that operations run smoothly and securely.
The days of isolated systems are long gone; most of today's technology resources are networked and integrated.
OT, traditionally isolated for safety, is now often networked for real-time monitoring and remote control. However, this shift exposes OT systems to cybersecurity risks—the kind of risks that IT is better equipped to manage. IT's expertise in identifying, preventing and responding to threats is critical for safeguarding OT's industrial infrastructure.
Additionally, the teams and departments in support of these areas benefit from working together. OT and IT teams can leverage each other's strengths to boost operational efficiency and reliability. For example, OT systems generate large amounts of data that, when processed by IT's analytics capabilities, yield actionable insights into process optimisation and maintenance management. This technical alignment ensures that both systems work in sync, providing more comprehensive data and enhanced operational control.
A collaborative strategy likewise ensures that organisations are prepared to tackle new security challenges, enhance productivity and remain agile in a data-driven landscape. And, as cybersecurity threats and operational demands increase, OT/IT collaboration offers a clear advantage for businesses interested in maintaining operational resilience.
IT/OT convergence is the integration of information technology systems with operational technology systems. Correctly employed, this shift towards fully integrated IT and OT delivers on the benefits of OT/IT collaboration addressed above.
But while these benefits are significant, combining two such diverse kinds of technologies also creates new challenges. Security concerns are at the forefront, and compatibility issues and workforce training are other important considerations. Still, as organisations continue to move in this direction new solutions to these challenges will become commonplace, allowing companies to build connected IT/OT systems to promote enhanced visibility, efficiency and responsiveness across their operations.
In the years to come, bringing IT and OT together will represent a major strategic advantage. And as the IT/OT convergence continues to redefine the operational landscape, the ServiceNow ServiceNow AI Platform offers a centralised control for managing both OT and IT environments.
With ServiceNow's Operational Technology Management, gain complete visibility into your OT ecosystem and link devices to production processes for accurate risk assessment. Minimise downtime by prioritising vulnerabilities and ensuring all OT assets are optimised and up to date. Technology Workflows further unify IT, risk management and security, making IT a strategic asset that aligns with business goals and enhances resilience. Automate core operations to predict and prevent issues, cut costs and maximise value by aligning work with your key priorities.
