Applications of Information Technology

Information Technology is the use of computer systems, storage devices, and any other type of physical device to manage exercise, store, and retrieve all types of data transmitted over electronic lines or electronic data. We can clearly see the growth of information technology in today’s world, and the main reason for this growth is the increased use of technology. Today, information technology is a part of almost every organisation, and the reason for this is obvious: the rapid increase in technology use.

Evolution of IT :

1. Pre-Mechanical Age: The earliest forms of information technology date back to the pre-mechanical age, where people used symbols and signs to communicate and record information. Examples of this include cave paintings, hieroglyphics, and the abacus.
2. Mechanical Age: The mechanical age of IT began in the 1800s with the invention of the mechanical calculator, which could perform basic arithmetic operations. This was followed by the development of the punched card, which was used to store and process information in the first digital computers.
3. Electromechanical Age: The electromechanical age of IT began in the mid-20th century with the development of the first electronic computers. These computers used vacuum tubes and relays to process information and were large and expensive.
4. Transistor Age: The transistor age of IT began in the late 1940s with the development of the transistor, which replaced vacuum tubes in electronic devices. Transistors were smaller, faster, and more reliable than vacuum tubes and enabled the development of smaller, more powerful computers.
5. Integrated Circuit Age: The integrated circuit age of IT began in the late 1950s with the development of the first integrated circuits, which allowed multiple transistors to be integrated onto a single chip. This enabled the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient computers, as well as other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras.
6. Personal Computer Age: The personal computer age of IT began in the 1970s with the development of the first personal computers, such as the Apple II and the IBM PC. These computers were smaller, more affordable, and easier to use than previous generations of computers, and enabled widespread adoption of computing in homes and businesses.
7. Internet Age: The internet age of IT began in the 1990s with the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web and the development of the first web browsers. The internet enabled people to communicate, share information, and conduct business on a global scale, and has had a significant impact on virtually every aspect of modern life.
8. Mobile Age: The mobile age of IT began in the 2000s with the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices. These devices enabled people to access information and communicate on the go, and have transformed the way we live, work, and socialize.
9. Cloud Age: The cloud age of IT began in the late 2000s with the widespread adoption of cloud computing. Cloud computing enables users to access computing resources and services over the internet, without the need for local infrastructure or hardware.

Why is information technology required in business and various fields all over the globe?

Information technology enables people in businesses to improve their use of technology, increasing productivity and, as a result, assisting in the growth of the business. As we all know, technology is present everywhere in the world, and its applications are not limited to business. So, let’s take a look at all the applications of Information technology in various aspects and industries around the world.

1. Healthcare

With a simple definition, healthcare is a massive and complex industry. Healthcare can be defined as the provision of services or treatment to people who are ill, either mentally or physically. Information technology has already made significant contributions to the field of healthcare, and advancements are still being made. 

• Doctors can now send patients’ live health conditions to different specialists via the cloud and get suggestions
• With the use of virtual charts, health professionals can now easily compare health data (X-rays, test results)
• Hospitals can keep a disease registry and publish reports to the government.
• Doctors can send patients E-Prescriptions via email, Whatsapp, or text message. 
• Many medical facilities offer Telehealth services, in which patients can communicate with doctors via the internet.

2. Education

The education industry has undergone significant change as a result of advances in information technology. More students are now eager to enroll in schools, owing to the administration’s use of cutting-edge technology in the classrooms. Online e-libraries where students can download ebooks and resources:

• Online exams where students can write exams and submit documents to mentors.
• Ready-to-use resources that enable students to learn any subject at any time and in any location. 
• An online ranking system allows students to compete with students from all over the world.

3. Communications

The advancement of information technology has made the world a smaller place, and the entire world is now connected. Data can now be shared anywhere in the world, regardless of geographical location. Many organisations have been able to transfer terabytes of data in seconds, increasing not only productivity but also saving a significant amount of time and manpower.

4. Employment

Every day, we could see hundreds of job openings from all over the world. Software engineers, data scientists, cloud analysts, designers, and developers are all involved in data management in some way. We would never see the above positions if it weren’t for information technology.

5. Security

Because the entire data is stored on the cloud, and physical devices, and there is a lot of data transferring involved, it is critical to safeguard all of the data.IT aids in the secure reading and transfer of data via risk-free network channels. IT also aids in data security through the use of passwords, facial recognition, and fingerprint recognition.

6. Governance

The concept of E-Governance is currently transforming the lives of millions of people all over the world. The digitalisation of government activities has made the administration more accountable and responsive to societal issues. Even remote areas with no internet access are being recognised by the government, and authorities are providing the necessary resources to the people.

7. Entertainment

Information Technology has brought about significant changes in all of our lifestyles. IT has introduced a plethora of new entertainment options into our lives. People can now watch their favourite shows and movies and listen to music via cable or wirelessly. People can now watch 3D and even 7D movies, special audio systems, and even access global radio channels thanks to technological advancements.

8. Finance:

IT has transformed the way we manage our finances, making it easier to access banking services and invest in the stock market. Online banking has made it possible to check account balances, transfer funds, and pay bills from anywhere in the world. Investment platforms like Robinhood, Acorns, and Betterment have made it easier for people to invest their money and manage their portfolios.

9. Transportation:

IT has also had a significant impact on transportation, making it easier to navigate and plan travel. GPS technology has made it easier to navigate unfamiliar roads and find the fastest route to our destination. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have made it easier to hail a ride and avoid the hassles of public transportation. Autonomous vehicles are also on the horizon, promising to make transportation safer and more efficient.

10. Virtual and Augmented Reality:

Virtual reality technology can create a simulated environment, while augmented reality technology can enhance the real-world environment with digital information. These technologies have enabled immersive learning experiences, improved the accuracy of medical procedures, and created new forms of entertainment, such as virtual concerts and games.

Conclusion:

These are only a few of the applications of information technology; however, if we look closely, the applications of IT are limitless. The use of information technology is growing at a rapid pace, and the main reason for this is an increase in the use of technology. Based on these, we can all agree that information technology has changed the world for the better.