IT is Changing
Thirty years ago, your office or workplace would have looked very different from the setup today. Instead of laptops, smartphones and printers, you’d see typewriters, pushbutton phones and carbon sheets. Oh yes, those were the days – for those of us who can remember!
The moment computers became mainstream consumables and were affordable, the business world embraced information technology or IT like there was no tomorrow. Our modern economy now places a premium on the acquisition, processing, and storage of data, all of which depend on reliable and efficient IT hardware and systems. You can count on IT for innovation in business, enhanced productivity, and growth in profits – when It is properly managed.
What Business IT is
IT has an overarching impact on business. It encompasses computers, storage devices and networking infrastructure. One definition of business 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.
IT in Business
IT is the lifeline in business today and by extension that of the economy. It doesn’t matter what industry you work in, IT is king.
Businesses use IT in different ways and contexts. It doesn’t only equate to computers. It’s much, much more. The IT umbrella includes servers, VoIP, applications, video devices, copiers, scanners – you name it.
Most of us associate IT with computers and the manipulation of data. But IT also includes the applications and programmes we use to complete our daily tasks and to develop new ideas and new projects. And there is also the cost of purchasing, configuring and maintaining the hardware you keep a business IT system running smoothly. In essence, IT is a critical component of the global business community.
IT in an Organization
Modern organizations use IT across most, if not all, departments. The obvious example is email. Although it’s been around for some time now, it is a super quick and effective communication channel for all your employees. And now we have WhatsApp, very popular with remote workers or people working on the go. Then there’s Skype, Zoom and ever-evolving technologies to improve real-time communication.
Remember that a fully-functional IT system gives you a competitive advantage. Using IT wisely, you can enter larger markets and expand your products and services range. You can also secretly spy on your competitors.
IT isn’t a separate function. IT is part of your business, a vital component that drives innovation and fosters growth. If your operation is agile and flexible, you can leverage the power of IT into everything you do. You can weave an IT spell that promotes productivity, growth and profitability.
