Information technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America

(ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of

computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer
hardware."[1] IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert,
store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.
Today, the term information technology has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing
and technology, and the term has become very recognizable. IT professionals perform a variety
of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and
information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data
management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well
as the management and administration of entire systems.
When computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is information
technology, or "infotech". Information technology is a general term that describes any technology
that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or disseminate information.
Presumably, when speaking of Information Technology (IT) as a whole, it is noted that the use of
computers and information are associated.
In recent years ABET and the ACM have collaborated to form accreditation and curriculum
standards for degrees in Information Technology as a distinct field of study separate from both
Computer Science and Information Systems. SIGITE is the ACM working group for defining
these standards.

Information Technology – A Definition:

We use the term information technology or IT to refer to an entire industry. In actuality,
information technology is the use of computers and software to manage information. In some
companies, this is referred to as Management Information Services (or MIS) or simply as
Information Services (or IS). The information technology department of a large company would
be responsible for storing information, protecting information, processing the information,
transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieving information as necessary.
History of Information Technology:
In relative terms, it wasn't long ago that the Information Technology department might have
consisted of a single Computer Operator, who might be storing data on magnetic tape, and then
putting it in a box down in the basement somewhere. The history of information technology is
fascinating! Check out these history of information technology resources for information on
everything from the history of IT to electronics inventions and even the top 10 IT bugs.
Modern Information Technology Departments:
In order to perform the complex functions required of information technology departments today,
the modern Information Technology Department would use computers, servers, database
management systems, and cryptography. The department would be made up of several System
Administrators, Database Administrators and at least one Information Technology Manager. The
group usually reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Popular Information Technology Skills:
Some of the most popular information technology skills at the moment are:
 • Computer Networking
• Information Security
• IT Governance
• ITIL
• Business Intelligence
• Linux
• Unix
• Project Management

Information Technology Certifications:

Having a solid education and specific specialty certifications is the best way to progress in an
information technology career. Here are some of the more popular information technology
certifications:
• Information Security Certifications
• Oracle DBA Certifications
• Microsoft Certifications
• Cisco Certifications
• PMP Certification
Jobs in IT:
There can be a lot of overlap between many of the job descriptions within information
technology departments. In order to clarify the descriptions, skills and career paths of each, I
have put together a Jobs in IT listing. The jobs in IT listing includes information on education
and training required for each position. It also includes lists of companies that typically have IT
jobs open, as well as links to IT-specific resumes, cover letters and IT interview questions.
Information Technology - Trends:
Information Technology Departments will be increasingly concerned with data storage and
management, and will find that information security will continue to be at the top of the priority
list. Cloud computing remains a growing area to watch. The job outlook for those within
Information Technology is strong, with data security and server gurus amongst the highest paid
techies. Check out the Information Security Certifications and Highest Paying Certifications for
more information. In order to stay current in the Information Technology Industry, be sure you
subscribe to top technology industry publications.