Information Technology and Its Evolution

 (Part 1) 

Definition and Scope

When it comes to ‘Information Technology’ there are plenty of varying definitions around the web but none seems to explain its essence comprehensively. The term information technology can be divided into two parts "information" and "technology" to define and understand its meaning. As implied by the two words,

Information technology (IT) is the use of technology, tools and mechanisms to create, retrieve, process, store, secure, and transmit information. It is an industry spanning various sectors, job roles and practical applications involving previously mentioned activities; also, a branch of knowledge encompassing numerous specializations concerned with a theoretical and practical comprehension of those activities.

Having a closer look at this definition also reveals that it overlaps with Telecommunications and Computer Science fields, although these developed into separate fields of their own, they can still be considered sub-fields of IT.  

Hence, information technology is a broad field covering data, information, databases, software, hardware (computers, mobiles, televisions, radio, telephone, etc.), networks and its practical applications include information security and management, computer programs development, web development, AI, machine learning, robotics, blockchain, SEO, digital marketing, information systems and many more. In short, IT has two concentrations, communications and computing.

Where it all started and where we are now?

  It might seem odd to many but Information Technology is as old as when humans started to express their thoughts or communicated with each other in written form. It evolved in different forms and manifestations over time as mankind evolved. 

Information Technology is as old as when humans started to express their thoughts or communicated with each other in written form.

Today as we know it, mobiles, computers, robotics, etc. have changed the living style of people, these things have become essential parts of our lives. For instance, smartphones and the internet have made information sharing very quick while the use of robots has made things very easy, whether it be daily chores or strenuous tasks.

It was not so always, change came gradually over many ages, thanks to the information technology has made possible so many things that were unthinkable until recently. This evolution of Information technology can be divided into the following eras which we will discuss later on: 

• Early Ages
• Mechanical Era
• Electromechanical Era
• Modern Era

Stay tuned with us as the next part is scheduled to be published on Saturday dated 14-11-2020, where we will discuss Early Ages: The beginning of a new dawn.