–noun [in-fer-mey-shuhn] [tek-nol-uh-jee]

Overview

Information Technology, or IT, describes any technology that powers or enables the storage, processing and information flow within an organization. Anything involved with computers, software, networks, intranets, Web sites, servers, databases and telecommunications falls under the IT umbrella.Web developers and designers.

Doctors and other specialists rely on information technology professionals to keep computer systems functioning. Most modern businesses depend heavily on information systems, from employee e-mail to database management to e-commerce Web sites. Hospitals have large patient databases to maintain. Universities have sprawling networks to administer. Even a small, home-based cookie business needs an order-tracking system. The Information Technology Association of America reports that 92 percent of IT professionals work for non-IT companies [source: Career Voyages].

How can IT improve productivity?

The past few decades have seen huge changes in the world of information technology and some strong increases in productivity as a result. Computers and computer technology have changed the way we work and have allowed us to be more productive on the job. From front-line service workers and salespeople in the field to CEOs and business owners, everyone in the business world has benefited from information technology in one way or another. Here are three main ways IT has can increase productivity in your workplace:

• Work from Anywhere
• Work more Efficiently
• Exponential Storage Gains

There are many types of IT professionals. Some IT professionals work behind the scenes to make sure that all the information systems we take for granted run smoothly. These are database, network and systems administrators. Others help design these information systems according to an organization's needs. These are database, network and systems analysts. Others help develop hardware and software to make these systems more robust, reliable and secure. These are hardware and software engineers. Still others make sure that this information is presented to the user in a clear, useful, dynamic way. These are Web developers and designers.