7.

1information technology
what is information technology ?
information technology also known as (I.T) is technology used to, store, retrieve, and send
information efficiently.

In a business or company information is always circulating and thus organizations constantly

need to update or improve their means of communicating the information to each other , I.T
plays an important role as it improves the efficiency in which information is passed on.

Data is raw facts

Information is data that has been organized into something meaningful.

Examples of information
Information technology is basically any hardware or software that can be used to share
information this includes cell phones ,computers, softwares, Peripherals directly connected
to computer information systems used to collect or transmit audio, video or graphic
information, such as scanners .routers, hubs, and data storage also included.

Functions of information technology

1.data capture
collect data from various sources.
2 Data storage
Data is stored in media for future use.
3 Data transmission
Data is transmitted from 1 place to another.
4 Data Processing
Conversion of data into information.
6 Data Retrieval
Finding out the needed information.
7 Data display
Resenting information to user

Advantages of information technology in a business

1.increase in production in less time, as business use automate machines that send
information to each other in order to do tasks continuously without having to wait for a
human to input information into it every time. this saves time and increase the production.
2.faster calculation of financial information and its organized storage makes it easier to
manage finance.
3. helps people to connect virtually businesses can now talk to foreign partners using video
chat and email ,this too saves travel costs.
4.creation of new jobs – with the evolution of information technology new jobs are sprouting
in this department such as software developers and web designers.
Disadvantages of information in a business
1.jobs are now eliminated as humans are replaced by softwares and machines example
,trained accountants are getting less opportunities as softwares are now capable of
accounting.
2.storing data has become easy especially with the cloud storage server however the
information can be hacked and attacked by viruses.
3implimention expenses-softwares , hardwares and training employees impacts the business
with high costs especially for small businesses that have small capital but need to compete
with the big compines.

Information technology made up of different technologies that assist business in different

ways because of their vast functions.it is constantly evolving making some business tasks
easier and faster,although when I,t was first introduced and provided a big advantage to
business organizations now these days people’s knowledge matters on how they use this
technology because just having i.t is nolonger a certain way to success in business .we are
aware that information technology provides many advantages but it also has its
weakness,however businesses still need information ;s assistance in the business world
because it is an important element.
7.2 Roles in information technology
Information technology helps organizations run smoothy, orgnizations use this technology in
a number of ways:

1.market
Businesses use the web to promote their products ,take orders and ,sell online .this type of
business ecommerce is getting very popular among consumers because of its convenience.
2.storage
The storage, preservation, and maintenance of information -- known as information
management -- is another domain in which IT shines. Information management is essential to
any business that must store and safeguard sensitive information (such as financial data) for
long periods of time. IT affords companies the ability to store, share, and backup files for
later use, as well as protecting information from unauthorized individuals. As a result, IT
gives businesses the peace of mind that the information they collect and analyse can be
properly stored and safeguarded for future use.
3.communication
Services like electronic mail and instant messaging like WhatsApp has made communication
in the business organization and outside easier and faster, information is also less likely
disoriented since it will come directly from the source. Customers can easily communicate
with the company to fix a issue or just get information on the product or services
4.material management
Use of systems like M.R.P(material requirement planning) which forecast the amount of
resources needed in a company to satisfy the demand, to avoid shortage or excessiveness of
products.the system uses data collected to calculate he resources and materials needed.

5.globalisation
A company can out source in other countries keeping in contact with them through
telecommunication.
Can sell their goods to people over the seas and keep in contact with them

Conclusion
Its difficult to state all the roles that information technology plays in a organization as it is
involved in almost everything,however information technology’s uses or roles differ
depending on which department is using it.