Information technology is a procedure that uses a combination of resources and methods of gathering, processing and transmitting data to acquire new quality information about the state of an object, process or phenomenon. The purpose of information technology is the production of information for its analysis by humans and the adoption on its basis of a decision to carry out any action.
The introduction of a personal computer in the information sphere and the use of telecommunication means of communication have determined a new stage in the development of information technology. Information technology with a "friendly" user interface that uses particular computers and telecommunications services. New information technology is established on the following key principles.
1. Interactive (dialogue) mode of working with a computer.
2. Integration with other software products.
3. Flexibility in the development of moving data and task classifications.
As a toolkit of information technology, common types of software products are used: word processors, publishing systems, spreadsheets, database management systems, electronic calendars, information systems of functional purpose.
The main types of information technology include the following.
Information technology for data processing is designed to solve well-structured problems, the algorithms for solving which are well known and for solving which there are all the necessary input data. This technology is using at the level of performing activities of untrained personnel in order to program some routine, continuously repeating operations of professional work.
Management information technology is designed to provide information services to all employees of enterprises related to management decisions. Here, information is usually presented in the form of regular or special management reports and contains information about the past, present and possible future of the enterprise.
The information technology of the automated office is designed to complement the existing communication system of enterprise personnel. Office automation involves the organization and support of communication processes both within the company and with the external environment based on computer networks and other modern means of transmitting and working with information.
Information technology for decision support is designed to develop a managerial decision that occurs as a result of an iterative process in which a decision support system (a computing link and a control object) and a person (a control link that sets input data and evaluates the result) are involved.
The information technology of expert systems is based on the use of artificial intelligence. Expert systems enable managers to receive expert advice on any problems about which knowledge has been accumulated in these systems.