What Is Information Technology? A Beginner’s Guide to the World of IT

For many people, information technology (IT) is basically synonymous with the people you call when you need help with a computer issue. While that view of information technology isn't totally wrong, it drastically understates the scope of this critical career field.

If you're looking to get a better handle on what information technology is - and the many facets of this field - then you've come to the right place. We're going to take a deep dive into the ever-changing world of information technology.

What is information technology and what does it encompass?

The most basic information technology definition is that it's the application of technology to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale.

No matter their specific IT role, members of an IT department work with others to solve technology problems, both big and small. Information technology plays such a vital role in today's wireless world.

To enhance operational efficiency, many global companies compete for a workforce with salient technical skills and often hire network administration professionals, network monitoring staff, user support technicians, network architects, other architecture experts and many other individuals.

You might already know that an IT department serves to ensure that the computer network, computer hardware, computing devices, and other physical devices all function properly. However, there are three primary pillars of responsibility for an IT department:

IT governance: This refers to the combination of policies and processes that ensure IT systems are effectively run and in alignment with the organization's needs.

IT operations: This is a catchall category for the daily work of an IT department. This includes providing tech support, network maintenance, communication protocols, security testing and device management duties.

Hardware and software infrastructure: This focus area refers to all the physical components of IT infrastructure. This pillar of IT includes the setup and maintenance of equipment like routers, servers, phone systems and inventory control - including individual devices like laptops.

IT departments also help to automate the business environment and create processes for many of their respective company's daily tasks, so that the business continues to run smoothly.

The ideal IT department is also aligned with the business's goals. Additionally, the department should always be transparent in its processes - providing valuable insights in a way that the rest of the business can understand and provide input on.

What’s the difference between hardware and software?

You know that working with hardware and software is a large part of an IT department's work, but what counts as hardware? And what’s software? Let’s break down this important distinction.

Hardware includes all the physical parts of a computer system. This includes hardware installed inside the computer like the motherboard, central processing unit and hard drive. Hardware also describes components that can be connected to the outside of a computer like a keyboard, mouse and printer.

Keep in mind though that some tablets and smaller laptops integrate items like a keyboard and a mouse within the device. Basically, hardware is any part, component or device related to computers, other devices and their networks that you can physically touch and manipulate.

Unlike hardware, software is not something you can physically change. Software encompasses all the data, application and programs stored electronically, like an operating system or a video-editing tool.

Why is information technology so important?

Simply put, the work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems. The Society for Information Management’s (SIM) IT trends report features many different IT functions that are critical to businesses worldwide.1 Here’s just a small sample of what current and future IT specialists will be working on.

Data overload issues
Businesses need to process huge amounts of data. This requires large amounts of data processing and power, sophisticated software and human analytical skills.

Mobile and wireless usages
More employers are offering remote work options that require smartphones, tablets and laptops with wireless hotspots and roaming ability.

Cloud computing services
Most businesses no longer operate their own “server farms” to store massive amounts of data. Many businesses now work with cloud services—third-party hosting platforms that maintain that data.

Video hosting and bandwidth issues
Videoconferencing solutions have become more and more popular, so more network bandwidth is needed to support them sufficiently.

AI and machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning allow businesses to automate, scale up and use complicated models to anticipate everything from market changes to weather patterns. With the massive volume of data these days, AI is quickly becoming a mainstay in the business world.

Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is all about securing computer systems all about securing computer systems, networks and data. As businesses depend on their digital systems to function, cyber-attacks that threaten to delete or stall those functions can get pose a massive threat. Theft of private data is also a huge concern, requiring dedicated cybersecurity measures to consistently repel thieves.

The evolution of information technology: a dynamic field

Over the years, information technology has evolved dramatically, driven by rapid advancements in computing power, data storage and software capabilities.

This has given rise to new technologies and methodologies, such as cloud computing, big data analytics and agile development practices, which have transformed the IT landscape. Consequently, IT employees must constantly adapt and update their skills to remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing environment.

This dynamic nature of information technology makes it an exciting and challenging field for those who are passionate about technology and eager to shape the future.

Information technology has a promising outlook

The demand for information technology professionals continues to grow as businesses and organizations increasingly rely on technology to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.

For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)², employment in the field of information security analysis is projected to grow by 35 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Understanding the scope of information technology

When considering the question, "What is information technology?" it is important to recognize that IT involves much more than just tech support or computer repair.

In fact, the field of information technology encompasses a wide range of disciplines and responsibilities, from network administration and software development to data analysis and cybersecurity.

By understanding the broader scope of IT, we can appreciate its vital role in the modern world and its significant impact on personal lives, businesses, organizations and individuals alike.

Data: The driving force of information technology

Data plays a central role in information technology, as it forms the basis for all decision-making and strategy development in modern businesses.

IT managers are tasked with managing, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are all driven by the need to process and analyze vast amounts of data. IT departments must be proficient in data management, application software, data storage, network architecture and analytics, as well as in employing the necessary software and other tools to make sense of the data.

Data science and mining are powerful components within information technology that involve extracting valuable insights from vast datasets. Data science combines statistics, programming, and domain expertise to analyze and interpret complex data, while data mining uses algorithms to identify patterns, trends and relationships within data.

Both fields play crucial roles in data-driven decision making and are essential for businesses seeking to harness the potential of big data to gain a competitive edge.

The role of database management software in information technology

Database management software plays a crucial role in the world of information technology. It enables IT experts to store, manage, and access large volumes of data in an organized and efficient manner.

These computer-based information systems provide tools for ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility, which are vital for the smooth operation of businesses and organizations.

One of the core components of information technology, database management software allows IT departments to centralize electronic data and automate various data-related tasks. This reduces the chances of data loss and human error, while also streamlining processes, saving time and enhancing productivity.

The integration of information technology in business operations

Information technology has become an integral part of nearly every industry. Businesses rely on computer systems, software, and networks to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and gain a competitive edge.

As such, IT departments must work closely with various departments within the organization to implement technological solutions that align with the company's goals and objectives.

By leveraging information technology, businesses can automate processes, enhance communication and collaboration, and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, IT professionals must stay updated on emerging trends and technologies to ensure that their organizations remain competitive in the ever-changing business landscape.

Computer science: The foundation of information technology

Computer science is the underlying discipline that drives information technology, serving as the foundation upon which IT professionals build their expertise. It is a vast field encompassing the study of algorithms, computational processes, programs, and software systems.

As a result, computer science plays a critical role in advancing the field of information technology and providing the necessary knowledge and skills for IT professionals to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

At its core, computer science aims to design, create, and optimize systems, ranging from simple programs to complex software that powers modern computer management systems, web servers support applications and networks.

By understanding the principles of computer science, IT professionals can develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that exist within the realm of information technology.

System software: The infrastructure of information technology

System software is a crucial component of information technology, providing the fundamental infrastructure that supports the operation of computer systems and networks.

By understanding the principles of computer science, IT professionals can develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that exist within the realm of information technology.

Computer programs: The building blocks of IT

Computer programs are essential components of all IT systems, consisting of sets of instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. These programs are written in various programming languages, each with their own syntax, structure and features.

All IT personnel must be proficient in writing and understanding programs to create, maintain and troubleshoot systems that are critical to the success of businesses and organizations.

Technology services: Facilitating success in information technology

Technology services are an essential aspect of information technology, encompassing a wide range of tasks and functions aimed at supporting and optimizing the use of technology within businesses and organizations.

These services include IT consulting, managed services, technical support, software development, system integration and more.

By offering these technology services, IT professionals can help organizations harness the full potential of information technology, ensuring that their systems, networks and software are running efficiently and securely.

Enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management

IT systems comprise multiple programs working together to accomplish a common goal. These systems can range from simple applications, such as word processors and spreadsheets, to more complex solutions, or business systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.

Information technology experts must have a solid understanding of computer programs and how they interact within systems to ensure their proper functioning and performance. Today's businesses rely heavily on software systems to streamline operations, improve productivity, and stay competitive in the market.

From accounting software and project management tools to e-commerce platforms and business intelligence solutions, software systems play a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of organizations across various industries.

Future trends in information technology

As the world continues to evolve, so does the realm of information technology. SIM reports that companies are investing heavily in data analytics and forecasting, software development, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management platforms, legacy apps and telecommunications.¹

But it’s worth saying that technological areas of focus can change rapidly. IT professionals must be proactive in staying updated on these advancements to stay relevant and adapt to the changing landscape.

IT plays a crucial role in just about everything

Information technology is a multifaceted field that encompasses various aspects such as computer systems, software, database management software, programming languages and data.

IT professionals and computer scientists play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth operation of businesses and organizations, providing them with the necessary technological infrastructure and tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

By using technology skills and staying updated on the latest trends and advancements in the field, IT will likely continue to drive innovation and contribute to the success of their organizations.

¹SIM IT Trends Study: Taking the Pulse of 2022 Comprehensive Report (2022), Society of Information Management, [accessed April 2023] https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/SIMNET/face6240-1a51-4033-84b7-40cb7aec9edc/UploadedImages/2021_SIM_IT_Trends_Study_-_2022_Comprehensive_Reprt_-_20211201.pdf
²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed April, 2023]. www.bls.gov/ooh Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries, and employment conditions in your area may vary.