Advantages of information technology
Last ten to fifteen years have seen unprecedented growth in information technology (IT). To a layman these words mean a technology that helps in managing mind-boggling data, with the help of computer hardware and software. IT is more than that simple definition. It encompasses database management system with networking system, appropriate hardware and software, apart from systems administration function.
Do we really gain from this IT After all, the data has always been around, and somehow or the other, it has always been managed, isn't it? Following is a list of perceivable benefits from information technology.
- Speed - Computers calculate a whole lot faster than human beings. Which means that more numbers can be crunched in a jiffy. Therefore, more work can be accomplished within the same number of working hours.
- Cost effectiveness A single employee can perform all the data management chores that were formerly being done by 5 or more employees. Therefore, overhead costs come down. Computer calculations also indicate the resources that are not being optimally utilized so that corrective measures can be taken in time, thereby bringing down production costs.
- Accurate results - Crucial decisions based on computer calculations are more likely to be correct than those based on human calculations. This is because the probability of errors in calculations by human beings is greater. Computers also help in taking a decision when faced with two or more alternatives. They do not need another day to rework the data if any variable is altered.
- Globalization - Networking is a crucial component of IT. Through networking information can be shared across the world. The language barrier is no longer existent as software that translates information to required languages is also a part of this form of networking.
- Trade convenience Internet is a great place to post an advertisement for selling any product. As it is accessed across the globle, it is possible to receive quotations from other parts of world. Similarly, if one needs to buy any product, there is a large variety to choose from on the Internet, or net as it is commonly known. Goods bought can also be paid for through Internet. Even monthly utility bills, credit card bills, etc., can be paid through Internet.
- Increase in standard of living cost savings achieved through optimal utilization of resources as suggested by computer calculations, result in lowering the prices of goods. In addition, networking has facilitated access to different markets across the globe, where competitive prices are available for similar goods. This helps buyer to get the best bargains, as similar products across globe have to be priced competitively.
- Communication information technology has taken communication function into its fold. Consequently, sending that letter through post offices is no longer a necessary evil. Sending an e-mail is much faster, and much easier. In addition, technological advancements like Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP allow people to hold conferences across countries. There are instances where operations have been performed by local surgeons with help of instructions from senior surgeon residing in some other country.
- Creation of new jobs it is true that information technology has made mechanical jobs like that of a typist, redundant. But it is also true that new lines like software engineer, hardware engineer, network administrator, data analyst, etc., have emerged because of information technology. These jobs are more intellectually stimulating. Therefore, the staff is likely to experience greater job satisfaction. The pay packet associated with these jobs is also higher.
The list is by no means comprehensive for one could say improvement in computer chips and circuit boards now helps in traffic control thereby preventing delays and accidents. Or improvement in property documents storage method prevents people from attempting frauds. Because information technology covers such wide range of activities, it is difficult to define the advantages from perspective of everybody. However, nobody can deny that their lives have improved for better since the last decade or two, primarily because of computers.
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