Information technology

Understanding Information Technology

What is information technology? In general, the definition of Information technology is a
study of the design, implementation, development, support or management of computer-based
information systems, especially hardware and software.
In other words, information technology is a variety of facilities consisting of hardware
and software to support and improve the quality of information for the community quickly and
quality.
According to Wikipedia, the definition of information technology (IT) in language is a
term in any field of technology in human life that is useful to change, help, communicate, store
and disseminate information.
Information technology is not only important as a means of communication (read:
Understanding Communication) via electronic only, but is an important device that should be
owned in business as a means to coordinate and archival important documents.
Understanding Information Technology According to Experts
Some experts in the field of computer science and technology have explained about the
definition of information technology, including:
1. Mc Kewon
According to Mc Keown, the definition of Information Technology is the whole form of
technology used to create, transform, store and use information in all its forms.
2. Haag and Keen
According to Haag and Keen, the definition of information technology is a set of tools
that help work with information as well as perform tasks related to information processing.
3. Martin
According to Martin, IT is not only limited to Hardware and Software used to process
and store information, but also includes communication technologies that transmit information.
4. Lucas
According to Lucas, the definition of Information technology is any form of technology
that is applied to process and transmit information in electronic form.
5. Williams and Sawyer
 According to Williams and Sawyer, the definition of information technology is
technology that combines Computers with high-speed communication lines that can carry data,
voice, and video.
6. Information Technology Association of America (ITAA)
According to ITAA, the definition of information technology is the process of processing,
storing and disseminating pictorial, vocal, text and numerical information through micro
electronics based on a combination of telecommunications and computing.
Information Technology Functions
In general, there are six IT functions for humans, including:
1. Capture
IT can compile detailed records from a variety of activities. For example, receiving input
from keyboards, scanners, mics, and more.
2. Processing
IT can process the input data received which is then converted into new information. This
data processing can be in the form of conversion, analyzing, calculating, to the merging of
various forms of information and data.
3. Generating
IT will generate or organize information into useful forms. For example graphs, tables,
calculations, and so on.
4. Saving (Storage)
IT can record information and data into a medium that can then be used for other
purposes. For example, data is stored in flasdisk, CD, and hard drive.
5. Retrival
IT is able to search for and retrace information and data that has been stored. For
example, look for client data that hasn't made a payment.
6. As Transmission (Transmission)
IT can send data and informas from one location to another by utilizing a computer
network. For example, sending sales data to another team in a different location.
Information Technology Components
In information technology activities there are 5 main components in it, namely:
1. Hardware
Hardware (read: Hardware Definition)is a computer device used by an operator or
brainware. Hardware consists of:
 Processor
 Memory card
 Peripherals (input and output device)
 Data cable
2. Software
Software is a medium that bridges between hardware and brainware (operators). This
software can help optimize the function of harware by translating various instructions given by
the operator.
Software can be divided into two, namely:
A. System Software
System software or we are familiar with operating system (OS). With the OS, hardware
can run application software for use by users or operators.
Some popular OS include:
 Windows
 Linux
 Unix
B. Application Software
This is a supporting application that resides on the OS to maximize computer
performance. Some software applications that are quite popular include:
 Microsoft Office
 Photoshop
 Coreldraw
 Autocad
3. Infoware
This is a documentation of an information or data.
4. Fireware
 This is a permanent storage medium. Its function is as a place to store various data on a
computer.
5. Brainware (user)
Brainware is the most important component of information technology. Without
Brainware, our computer will not be able to operate because actually the computer function is a
tool to support the needs of a user.

Information Technology Objectives

In general, there are three main objectives of IT, including:

 To assist people in solving a problem

 Support and unlock creativity
 Improving effectiveness and efficiency in getting the job done

The Role of Information Technology in Business

Based on the explanation above, directly or indirectly information technology plays an

important role for the continuity of business or company, including:

1. Facilitate communication

Email is one form of information technology that is familiar as a means of

communication. Email in business is used as a means of communication between employees,
suppliers and customers.

Its easy use makes email more efficient and effective than facsimile when it comes to
communication. Over time also appeared the term chat as a faster communication tool than
email.

2. Data Management

In the sense of information technology has previously alluded to one of its benefits for
archiving documents. With the company database, it is no longer needed documents in the filing
cabinet.
 In today's professional business all document archiving is done digitally through a
storage device.

3. Management information system

Information technology supports enterprise management information systems where this

tool plays a role in tracking sales data, costs and productivity levels of the company.

Through this information can be used to track profibility over time, identify areas that
require improvement, and maximize return on investment.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Businesses that apply the latest information technology are useful for designing and
managing relationships with customers. CRM can capture every interaction between the
company and the customer so that if at any time requires customer data, then the data is well
recorded.

In addition, CRM can also maximize customer satisfaction with the presence of fast
service from the company.

5. Business Can Be Active For 24 hours a Day

With information technology, your business can operate for 24 hours. In this case the
business you run is not limited to space and time.

Product ordering can be done for 24 hours which is related to the competition. The easier
the service you provide, the easier your business will be easily known to the public at large.

6. The Emergence of e-Bussiness Opportunities

Information technology that is getting more advanced, the more opportunities to drive
business progress. With e-bussiness or e-commerce (read: Understanding E-Commerce)the need
for time and cost becomes more efficient. E-bussiness allows you tobinis online over the internet.

7. Reduce Operational and Production Costs

 With the advancement in the field of Information Technology, it can help companies to
get maximum profit with little expenditure. So that with the decrease in operational costs, the
company can increase the amount of production.

Such is the explanation of the understanding of information technology, the functions and
objectives of IT, as well as its role in business. Without any progress in it, the company is still
moving conventionally.