What Is Information Technology? A Beginner’s Guide to the World of IT in 2025

Updated October 12, 2024

Table of Contents

What is Information Technology?

Information technology refers to the use of computer systems and devices to access and manage data. It combines both information and technology to play a significant role in various aspects of daily life, from personal activities to business operations. IT is crucial in driving the efficiency of the workforce, automating tasks, and enhancing access to information.

It is a foundational technology adopted by nearly every business to improve skills and processes. IT serves both personal and commercial purposes, with global companies leveraging it to manage, organize, and innovate data in line with their operations. A practical example is a street vendor using a smartphone card reader to accept payments or a street performer receiving tips via Venmo. On a personal level, using a spreadsheet to monitor your monthly expenses is another everyday example of information technology in action.

The Importance of Information Technology in Today’s World

Information technology (IT) has become a cornerstone of contemporary life, with both businesses and individuals relying heavily on technological tools for their daily operations. Organizations depend on IT to effectively manage and safeguard their critical data, enhance communication, streamline supply chain processes, provide customer support, and facilitate remote work.

The emergence of innovations such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has made technology more personalized and accessible worldwide, establishing IT as an essential global network that is integral to our lives. The global cloud software market, commonly referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS), was valued at approximately $197 billion and is projected to grow to $232 billion by the end of 2024.

In 2022, the video game industry alone generated over $347 billion, with advancements like Virtual Reality gaming poised to drive significant growth in the near future. This underscores the profound impact that information technology has on various aspects of life, from professional environments to personal entertainment.

Communication: In our digital era, IT facilitates rapid communication across the globe, enabling seamless interactions for both individuals and organizations. Tools like video conferencing software and email have transformed communication dynamics, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
Security: IT enhances data security by preventing unauthorized access to company databases, thereby safeguarding valuable information. Unlike the past, when physical security measures were necessary, IT has simplified data protection through digitization.
Decision Making: IT tools such as data analytics empower informed decision-making by providing valuable insights. Businesses can analyze customer behavior and market trends, enabling them to make strategic choices.
Productivity: IT solutions boost productivity by streamlining workflows. For instance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems help businesses maintain client records, while project management software enhances team coordination. Collaborative platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet facilitate efficient communication, saving time and effort.
Access to Information: IT enables instant access to vast amounts of information within seconds. Search engines provide immediate knowledge resources that aid individuals and businesses in making timely decisions and solving problems.
Increased Efficiency: IT automates manual tasks, significantly reducing the time and effort required for completion. This automation minimizes human errors and enhances overall efficiency. Workflow optimization tools further assist organizations in streamlining processes to reduce delays and conserve resources.
Enhanced Customer Service: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and chatbots provide quick responses to customer inquiries, allowing organizations to manage client interactions effectively. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and drives business growth.
Global Sales Growth: IT opens up various channels for international business expansion through online sales and marketing strategies. E-commerce platforms enable companies to reach a broader audience, enhancing market penetration and sales potential.

Additional Important Applications of IT in Modern Business

Facilitates Business Growth
Lowers Operational Costs
Ensures Secure Data Storage
Boosts Overall Productivity
Streamlines Data Management
Enhances Systematic Operations

Why Do We Need Information Technology?

Information Technology (IT) is crucial for enhancing both our professional and personal lives. It serves as the cornerstone of communication, technological advancement, innovation, and sustainable practices, enabling organizations to realize their full potential. On a personal level, IT facilitates connections and interactions through gaming, media sharing, online shopping, and social networking.

From a career standpoint, Information Technology represents the forefront of progress in business and commerce. It underpins operations across all industries, asserting its influence in sectors ranging from healthcare to food service, manufacturing, and sales. Individuals increasingly depend on IT to connect with others and efficiently manage information and services.

Types of Information Technology

Information technology (IT) encompasses a diverse array of technologies and systems designed for the storage, retrieval, processing, and transmission of data tailored to specific applications.

Common Types of Information Technology

Internet and Web Technologies: This category includes the tools and protocols that facilitate access to, navigation through, and interaction with online information. Notable examples are web browsers, websites, web servers, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, HTTP, and other internet-related technologies.
Cloud Computing: This refers to the provision of computing resources and services via the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. It encompasses various models such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud storage solutions.
Databases: This includes IT systems and software used for storing, organizing, and retrieving data. Examples include MySQL, NoSQL databases, relational database management systems (RDBMS), and MongoDB.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: These IT technologies leverage algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to execute tasks that typically require human intelligence. Examples include speech recognition, image recognition, and natural language processing.
Cybersecurity: This branch of IT focuses on technologies and best practices aimed at safeguarding IT systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and attacks. Cybersecurity measures can include firewalls, antivirus software, encryption techniques, intrusion detection systems, and security policies.
Internet of Things (IoT): This involves a network of interconnected devices and sensors that gather, exchange, and analyze data. IoT technologies facilitate the integration of physical objects into computer systems, enabling automation, monitoring, and control across various sectors.
IT Governance: This pertains to the establishment of policies and regulations within an organization to ensure effective operations.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Business Intelligence focuses on tools and methodologies for extracting insights from large datasets to aid in decision-making and operational efficiency. This can involve data mining, statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and predictive modeling.

Key Components of Information Technology

Information technology covers such a wide range of concepts and uses that it’s hard to pin down without some kind of focus. Generally, it refers to everything from digital communication to network management, software systems, and physical devices. But within that complexity, many IT systems are built to achieve one of three objectives:

Data Mining: This involves sifting through vast amounts of data to find connections and patterns that might not be obvious at first glance. Sometimes referred to as knowledge discovery in data (KDD), it’s about pulling useful insights from the noise, but even then, it’s not always clear what those insights mean, or whether they even lead to any real solutions.

Data Transmission: This is all about how information moves across networks, how it’s shared and received. It’s also called digital or data communication, but the smooth transfer of data often hides the real mess underneath—glitches, interruptions, and signals that get lost in translation.

Database Management: Databases are meant to simplify the chaos by organizing data so it’s easier to access and manage, but they often become a labyrinth. Managed through a database management system (DBMS), they can seem structured and efficient on the surface, while the underlying complexity only grows with time.

Examples of IT Jobs

IT careers span a wide range of roles, with opportunities available across various industries. Here’s an overview of potential IT job paths, many of which can be tailored to specific sectors depending on your interests.

Hardware-focused IT positions may include:

Help Desk Technician
Computer Technician
Network Engineer/Architect
Hardware Manufacturer
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Architect

Software-based roles typically involve developing applications or programs and could include:

Software Developer
Software Engineer
Programmer
Mobile App Developer
Web Developer
Product Owner/Support

Cybersecurity roles focus on data protection and incident response and may involve positions such as:

Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Architect
Forensic Analyst
Incident Responder
Malware Analyst
Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
Threat Hunter

Data-focused positions deal with data collection, storage, and analysis, and may include:

Data Scientist/Analyst
Data Engineer
Database Engineer
Data Privacy Officer
Business Intelligence Analyst

Leadership roles in IT are also prominent and may include:

IT Manager/Team Lead
Director of IT
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Chief Data Officer (CDO)

These positions cover a broad spectrum of IT functions and can be adapted to fit industry-specific needs.

Responsibilities of the IT Department

The following outlines the primary duties of any IT department:

Implementation and Support: Overseeing the deployment and maintenance of computer hardware and information systems, which include monitors, projectors, scanners, media devices, and shared printers.
Network Administration: Making critical decisions regarding the management and administration of the network.
User Support and Network Integrity: Providing users with essential information while ensuring the network remains secure and operational, thereby supporting overall productivity within the organization.
Software Installation: Installing new software applications and verifying that they are set up correctly.
Communication Facilitation: While many perceive IT as solely focused on technical operations, it also plays a vital role in communication. This includes managing conference calls, web-based meetings, video conferences, and email systems. Additionally, IT offers comprehensive end-user support for various computer applications.
Problem-Solving: The IT department adds value to the business by employing problem-solving skills that contribute to growth and success.
Employee Training: Although training new hires is typically associated with HR, the IT department takes responsibility for educating employees on new systems and technologies.

What IT Jobs Pay the Best?

IT job salaries generally increase with the complexity of the role or the level of leadership required. Positions demanding advanced technical skills, a degree in computer science, or executive responsibilities tend to command higher wages.

According to Salary.com, here are some of the top-paying IT roles:

Computer and Information Systems Managers: Median salary of $146,360
Cloud Engineers: Median salary of $136,479
Cybersecurity Engineers: Median salary of $134,340
Computer and Information Research Scientists: Median salary of $122,840
Computer Hardware Engineers: Median salary of $117,220
Computer Network Architects: Median salary of $112,690
Software Developers, QA Analysts, and Testers: Median salary of $107,510

These figures highlight how technical expertise and leadership roles in IT are rewarded with higher compensation.

What is an Information Technology degree?

Information technology degrees offer a broad curriculum since IT professionals are essential in almost every sector. Here are some key subjects you’ll encounter while pursuing an IT degree:

Programming: Learning to code is a highly valuable skill in tech. You might study languages like Python or Java, which are commonly used in object-oriented programming.

Information Security (InfoSec): Cybersecurity is a critical area for IT professionals. An IT degree will teach you InfoSec principles and best practices for protecting data and systems.

Network Administration: Many IT roles require working with computer networks. Your studies will cover network architecture, troubleshooting, and how to manage network systems.

These core subjects prepare IT students for the diverse challenges in the tech world.

IT skills and certifications

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the computer and information technology field are expected to grow by 15% through 2032. Building a successful IT career will require mastering various technical skills. For the current IT landscape, these 10 skills are among the most sought-after:

Cybersecurity
Cloud computing
Edge computing and IoT
IT automation
Software development
Big data management and data analytics
DevOps
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Machine learning (ML)
Mobile application development

To enhance expertise in these key IT areas, obtaining relevant certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. Here are some of the most recognized certifications from leading tech providers:

These credentials demonstrate your proficiency and expertise, making you a more competitive candidate in the IT job market.

Wrapping-Up

In conclusion, information technology is essential in both professional and personal spheres. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities within IT is key to ensuring that we maximize its advantages. It’s vital to grasp the IT department’s responsibilities, as they are pivotal in keeping your business operations efficient and seamless.