Introduction to Information & Communication Technology

Information and communication technology is changing how businesses operate.

Virtually every business, nonprofit and government agency is going hi-tech these days. Many businesses expect everyone on staff to know the basics of information and communications technology.

Function

Information technology is best described as the use of computer hardware and software to gather, transfer or store information. Communications technology refers to systems used for communication, which includes telephone, radio, fax, television, email, cell phones and instant messaging. Together, both fields are simply referred to as "ICT."

Types

According to Tutor 2 U, ICT is often broken into two major groups: "traditional computer-based technologies" and "digital communication technologies." Examples of traditional computer-based technologies are accounting programs and word processors. Digital communication technology covers everything from the Internet to satellite linkups.

Benefits

Organizations rely on ICT systems to boost productivity, reduce costs and make better decisions. One example is database software allowing companies to quickly process massive amounts of information about their customers. They can then use data on the customers' shopping habits to design a better marketing plan.

References

• Tutor 2 U: What is ICT?
• BBC: ICT Systems and Their Usage