Information technology (IT) is a term that describes the processes and strategies for using technology to provide business solutions on a broad scale.
Often, the term IT is used to reference the department that oversees the installation and maintenance of computer network systems within a company. This is the side of IT that most professionals are familiar with — the experts that get called in when there are computer issues that need to be fixed. But the scope of IT in business goes well beyond general repairs.
IT encompasses essentially every aspect of computing within business. This includes the study, conceptualisation, development, execution and support of information systems. IT may also refer to the systems themselves, specifically software applications and the physical hardware on which they run. Finally, IT also includes IT governance, which ensures that information technologies are being correctly utilised to help organisations reach their goals while effectively managing IT risks.
As such, IT has a very broad application across industries and organisations; essentially every business today includes some IT components, even if they do not field a separate IT department.
IT has been an essential aspect of business since the early days of the digital age. However, as technology increases in complexity, so do the various components of IT. Today, IT is multi-structured and intricate, and includes technologies such as telecommunications, security, cloud computing, data centres, networks, storage, computers and servers.
Just as IT is an umbrella term that includes a range of systems, processes, strategies and resources, there are many different roles and responsibilities associated with information technology. These include the following:
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