Information technology

Definition of Information Technology

According to the International Foundation for Information Technology, the definition of Information Technology is threefold and can be represented as follows...

1. The technology used for the study, understanding, planning, design, construction, testing, distribution, support and operations of software, computers and computer related systems that exist for the purpose of Data, Information and Knowledge processing.
2. The industry that has evolved to include the study, science, and solution sets for all aspects of Data, Information and Knowledge management and/or processing.
3. The Organization in an enterprise or business that is held responsible and accountable for the technology used for planning, design, construction, testing, distribution, support and operations of software, computers and computer related systems that exist for the purpose of Data, Information and Knowledge management and/or processing.

Each definition has relevance under three individual contexts: 1) The Technology, itself, that is used to solve data, information and knowledge problems; 2) The Industry of Information Technology, which is composed of Information Technology Professionals; and 3) An Organization within an enterprise that is part of the IT industry and uses technologies to solve data, information and knowledge problems.

Synonyms for Information Technology

Different synonyms exist for the term "Information Technology." Again, each synonym would have context that is associated with any one of the three definitions, above.

• Information Systems
• Systems Management
• Technology Management
• Information Solutions

Information Technology Learning References

• Information Technology (IT) Glossary of Terms and Phrases
• Information Technology (IT) Learning Framework
• Master Inventory of Information Technology (IT) Disciplines

Region Specific Information

In the United Kingdom education system, information technology was formally integrated into the school curriculum when the National Curriculum was devised. It was quickly realised that the work covered was useful in all subjects. With the arrival of the Internet and the broadband connections to all schools, the application of IT knowledge, skills and understanding in all subjects became a reality. This change in emphasis has resulted in a change of name from Information Technology to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT in Education can be understood as the application of digital equipment to all aspects of teaching and learning. It is present in almost all schools and is of growing influence.

In the United States, Information Technology is, both, used and taught at all levels of education. However, specialization in "Information Technology" usually does not occur until it is formally selected by a student, at a college level, with the exception of classes focusing on things like programming, which may be offered earlier, depending on the school.

Industry organizations

The International Foundation for Information Technology (IF4IT), founded in 2009, is an international organization which publishes open Information Technology standards, best practices, and guidelines for IT professionals to, both, teach and learn about IT.

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of over 60 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. WITSA members represent over 90 percent of the world IT market. As the global voice of the IT industry, WITSA is dedicated to:

• advocating policies that advance the industry’s growth and development;
• facilitating international trade and investment in IT products and services;
• strengthening WITSA’s national industry associations through the sharing of knowledge,
• experience, and critical information;
• providing members with a vast network of contacts in nearly every geographic region of the world;
• hosting the World Congress on IT, the premier industry sponsored global IT event;
• hosting the Global Public Policy Conference; and
• hosting the Global Information Security Summit.

Founded in 1978 and originally known as the World Computing Services Industry Association, WITSA has increasingly assumed an active advocacy role in international public policy issues affecting the creation of a robust global information infrastructure, including:

• increasing competition through open markets and regulatory reform;

protecting intellectual property;

• encouraging cross-industry and government cooperation to enhance information security;
• bridging the education and skills gap reducing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to IT goods and services; and
• safeguarding the viability and continued growth of the Internet and electronic commerce.

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA)is an industry trade group for several U.S. information technology companies.

Founded in 1961 as the Association of Data Processing Services Organizations (ADAPSO), the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA)provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of approximately 325 corporate members throughout the U.S., and is secretariat of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA)., a global network of 67 countries' IT associations. The Association plays a leading role in issues of IT industry concern including information security, taxes and finance policy, digital intellectual property protection, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, immigration, online privacy and consumer protection, government IT procurement, human resources and e-commerce policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start-ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields.

ITAA membership is open to any company with operations situated in the U.S. and offering commercial IT products and services. Companies eligible for full IT membership include firms with headquarters, division offices, or branch offices located in the U.S. as well as foreign firms with subsidiary operations in the U.S. In addition, [1] offers affiliate membership to firms that sell business products and services to IT companies.

ITAA publishes a series of electronic newsletters. The ITAA E-LETTER covers the issues of the networked economy. These include coverage issues such as information and telecommunications public policy, as well as pertinent news about the businesses of electronic commerce, Internet service and enhanced telecommunications service providers. The ITAA E-LETTER is distributed exclusively by electronic mail and available for free available for free.