A PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT OF
“IT Infrastructure Management” on
Information Technology in Business
Subject Code: 19IMG22C5

Submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of

MBA 2nd SEMESTER
Session (2020-2022)

 
                                           
   Submitted To: -                          Submitted By: -
                        
  Ms. Anju Sharma                                Samriddhi Tripathi
  (MBA Faculty)                                  MBA 2nd SEM
IBMR Institute
  

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 INDEX

S. No. Particular Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. WHAT DOES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INCLUDES? 3-4
3. TECHNOLOGY NEEDED IN BUSINESS 5-6
4. HOW DOES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AFFECT 6-9

BUSINESS?
5. USE OF E-COMMERCE AND M-COMMERCE TO SELL 10-11
GOODS AND SERVICES
6. MODERN TECHNOLOGY USED IN BUSINESS 11-12
7. TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES FACING SMALL 13-14
BUSINESSES
8. WHY IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IMPORTANT TO 14-16
AN ORGANIZATION?
9. INNOVATION IN BUSINESS 16-17
10. 5 REASONS FOR ACCELERATED BUSINESS GROWTH 17-18

11. HOW MUCH, WHO AND WHEN? 18-19

12. HOW CAN I USE TECHNOLOGY TO WORK 19-20
EFFECTIVELY?
13. BACKBONE OF ALL SECTOR 20-21

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS

Computers and information systems are essential parts of every business today.
Like accounting and legal, every business needs to invest in technology to
compete. Technology is both a cost of doing business, and an opportunity to do
more business.

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 Information technology (IT) refers to everything that businesses use computers
for. Information technology is building communications networks for a company,
safeguarding data and information, creating and administering databases, helping
employees troubleshoot problems with their computers or mobile devices, or
doing a range of other work to ensure the efficiency and security of business
information systems.
What Does Information Technology Includes?

Information technology includes:

1. All computers with a human interface.
2. All computer peripherals which will not operate unless connected to a
computer or network.
3. All voice, video and data networks and the equipment, staff and purchased
services necessary to operate them.
4. All salary and benefits for staff whose job descriptions specifically include
technology functions, i.e. network services, applications development, systems
administration.
5. All technology services provided by vendors or contractors.
6. Operating costs associated with providing information technology.
7. All costs associated with developing, purchasing, licensing or maintaining
software.

More Specifically Information Technology Means

1. Managing a network of computers.

2. Creating original web pages.
3. Producing videos digitally.
4. Designing computer systems as a consultant.
5. Vendors selling products on the internet.
6. Designing 3D artwork.
7. Administering a company’s database.
8. Coding software.
9. Providing technical support.

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10. Managing projects and budgets.
11. Writing technical documentation.

Examples of Information Technology Are

1. Telephone and radio equipment and switches used for voice

communications.
2. Traditional computer applications that include data storage and programs
to input, process and output the data.
3. Software and support for office automation systems such as word
processing and spreadsheets, as well as the computer to run them.
4. User, PCs & software.
5. Data networks and all associated communications equipment such as
servers, bridges, routers, hubs & wiring.
6. Peripherals directly connected to computer information systems used to
collect or transmit audio, video or graphic information, such as scanners and
digitizers.
7. Voice response systems that interact with a computer database or
application.
8. Video conferencing equipment.
9. The state radio communications network.
10. Computers and network systems used by teachers, trainers and students
for educational purpose.
11. “Open” computer systems that monitor or automate mechanical or
chemical processes and also store information used by computer applications for
analysis and decision making.
12. All operating costs, equipment and staff time associated with supporting
the technology infrastructure of the agency, possibly including items excluded
above, such as video equipment used for technology training that is included in
the information systems costs center for the agency.

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Technology Needed in Business

Technology has created a boom in business and commerce. Thanks to

technology, many traditional business models and ideas were transformed.
Technology has given us the opportunity to see things from a new perspective, as
well as to get closer to what we are already doing with a new perspective.
Technology also gives us great efficiency in doing business.
Some of the areas where technology is most important in business include
marketing methods, use of ICT in management, accounting systems, and other
complex aspects of day-to-day business operations. Even something as simple as
arithmetic, which was a revolution in its time, came about as a result of
technology. It's hard to imagine going back to doing manual labor. It can take us
back about a hundred years or more.

Technology as a source of support and security

Technology enables us to perform many processes, which in turn increases our
productivity. This is possible because it enables us to use fewer resources, thus

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enabling us to make quality at a lower cost and improve the speed at which we
can deliver to customers. During this time, it has become possible to serve too
many clients.
Technology also makes it easier to keep track of information while maintaining
the integrity of that information. We are better able to keep sensitive
information confidential in a way that makes it vulnerable to data breach.
Information can also be obtained as soon as it is needed, and it can be analyzed
not only to study past styles but also to predict the future. Next, this can help
with the decision-making process.

Technology as a link to the world

Communication is part of business. Thus, travel and processes make business a
web of complex processes that come together. Technically, business ventures are
possible around the world. Now, almost anyone can do business almost
anywhere, from any room in their house.
Technology has made it easier for businesses to gain access to the world. A good
example of this is the Internet and the World Wide Web. The internet is now an
integral part of the business marketing campaign, as it gives the business an
opportunity to attract customers around the world.
Technology, when properly integrated with business, has made life itself worth
living. It would be foolish to deny, however, that there are threats to the
business brought about by technology. This includes risky activities with activities
and organizations, such as hacking. For this reason, it is important for businesses
to use responsibility when using technology to do business. With the good that
technology brings, there are bad things that need to be addressed. However, it is
the responsibility of every business, and we must acknowledge and use it in the
right way to make our businesses better.

How Does Information Technology Affect Business?

The Industrial Revolution revolutionized business, making many processes more
efficient and producing more than a hundred times more productive. However,
the business world remained stagnant for a century after that. With the advent
of technology, and the use of technology in business, however, things changed

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much more than the disruption than during the Industrial Revolution and it
would be safe to say that things would never be the same again. The degree to
which technology is adapting and adapting is evident to the extent that all
businesses are driven by a wave, whether they are suitable or not. It may not
seem like we have made much progress, but even though 5 years ago, social
media had no consumer purchases, cell phones could not be used for business,
cloud-based solutions were not available, App Generation was not yet born, and
omni channel marketing was taking its toll.
Technology has virtually changed every aspect of business and has never before
seen such a thing. To clarify, here are a few ways in which information
technology has affected business:

Cloud Computing Phenomenon

Cloud computing has made it easier for businesses to outsource most of their
activities to third-party Internet users. It simplifies the management of various
data packages but also enables businesses to grow faster and adopt a move
without worrying about things like crashes, downtime, and lost data. This has
allowed small and medium-sized businesses to access expensive and costly
resources over the past few years. In fact, the stage was played.
Increased Customer Segmentation

Since more and more data is flowing, it is now much easier to analyze and gain
deep insight into the things that customers are looking for. Analytics services are
expanding by the day and are allowing businesses to segment their prospects
into more and more specific groups, making it much easier to target them and
get more value for their advertising money. Something as simple as having a
Google account can let a business know where a user is from, the kind of
browser they’re using, how they stumbled upon a website, what they do on that
website, how long they are likely to stay and at what point they decide to leave.
There are even more advanced analytics services that allow businesses to
become even more refined with this segmentation in order to improve their
conversions drastically.

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Increased Connectivity

Technology has made it easier for people to stay in touch. Whether you’re
looking to communicate with your employees and colleagues via video chat or
sending email blasts to leads, mobile technology and the constant innovation
that takes place within the space has made it possible for communication to
take on a new level of hyper-realism.

Decreasing Costs and Increasing Utility

There are two main things that have come together to make what is called a
“buyer’s market” possible. These are the fact that both hardware and software
that are needed in creating the necessary software solutions have become more
affordable and the fact that more and more entrepreneurs who are also tech-
savvy are appearing by the day to make use of these technologies. There was a
time when it would take a large company about a year to build a back-end
inventory system. Now it takes a few colleges graduates a matter of weeks to
build the same thing. Since the solutions are offered affordably and very easy to
use, businesses do not have to invest too much money into them and that has
made business easier.

A Changing Consumer Base

Millennials have come of age and they are now the force driving the modern
economy. Pretty soon, over half the American workforce will consist of
millennials and pretty soon they will also be coming into their peak affluence,
where they will have a lot of money to spend and very few financial obligations,
give them a lot of disposable income. They are greater in number than the baby
boomers and are a lot more liberal with their wallets. They are also all about
instant gratification. They have also been raised with the internet. They are
connected, tech-savvy, and ready to spend. Businesses have to adapt to this new
customer base if they are going to thrive.

Major Consideration of Business Community Impact

You can’t just imagine your business operating in an empty space too. Social
networking sites have made the world a much smaller place where users can
connect no matter who they are, where they come from, and how rich they are.

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Just a few years ago you would have benefited if your customer service had
been good. Now you have to put in more effort if you don't want negative
ratings on review sites and metals on social media about your service.
Businesses, therefore, need to be aware of their online reputation and need to
work on their digital feet.

The End of the Rest

This is actually a negative result of technology. With extended connections,

people have less and less time for them now. The holiday seems to have
everything but it is a thing of the past, most people are working or on vacation.
Since we have regular access to our emails, texts, and social media with our
phones and laptops, it is difficult and difficult to just disconnect and shut the air
down.

The business climate has changed dramatically in the last few years. New
technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and cloud
computing allow organizations to gain a better understanding of their targeted
market and do more in less time. With the advent of the internet, small
businesses can now compete with players from large industries. Even if you are
just starting out, you can use digital technology to put your products in front of a
global audience and increase brand awareness.

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Use of e-commerce and m-commerce to sell goods and services

E-commerce means buying and selling goods and services online. Includes any
transaction between businesses conducted online, usually via a website. M-
commerce refers to the purchase and sale of goods and services online by
mobile. Includes any transactions between businesses made online, usually via a
mobile app or website accessible from a desk or mobile phone. Many businesses
now offer m-commerce options in addition to their e-commerce to customers
purchasing goods and services.

Three things are required for e-commerce and m-commerce to take place:

• a retailer with products and services displayed on a computer

• The consumer has the necessary equipment to view the seller's products and
services, and payment methods

• The network that generates information and payment can be exchanged by

buyer and seller

Advantages of e-commerce and m- Disadvantages of e-commerce and m-

commerce commerce
More competitors from across the globe,
Attract customers across the globe,
making it harder for the business to get
increasing the target market
noticed
Employees may need new skills, eg website
Sell 24 hours 7 days a week
maintenance
Procedures required for how products and
Receive payments immediately services will be delivered and processing
returns
A need to maintain and update technologies,
Reduced overhead costs compared
including security software, which may be
to running a physical shop
expensive
Products and services can be Customers cannot see or try on items before
delivered in a range of locations ordering

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Advantages of e-commerce and m- Disadvantages of e-commerce and m-
commerce commerce
Able to sell a huge range of
Customers must wait for products to be
products, due to not being limited
delivered
by shop size

Modern Technology Used in Business

Companies worldwide are investing heavily in new technology. Many have their
own IT departments and use advanced software for data analytics, marketing
and customer segmentation. Some rely on HR management platforms to
streamline payroll, employee onboarding and other time-consuming tasks.
There are also businesses that integrate virtual reality into their daily
operations.

There are endless examples of technology in business, including social media.

84% of small businesses are using at least one digital platform to share
information with their audience. About 80% advertise products and services on
social networks. Furthermore, 62 % of small enterprises say that having strong
digital and media skills is a key factor in the recruiting process.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been a game changer for small and large
organizations alike. In 2016, 32 percent of software and IT companies invested in
this technology. AI is also being used in the banking, telecommunications,
research, retail and health care industries.

Another modern technology used in business is VoIP, or Voice over Internet

Protocol. Organizations across all industries are using it to make international
phone calls and hold video conferences over the internet. With VoIP, your
business can save money and become more productive. The latest VoIP
solutions integrate AI, 5G connectivity and enhanced security features.

The different types of technology available today enable businesses to grow

quicker, save time and deliver a superior customer experience. They also lead to
improved work performance and cost savings. Large organizations, for example,
are using advanced AI algorithms to research and segment their prospects,

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 create accurate buyer personas and produce laser-targeted product and service
recommendations.

The State of B2B Technology

Business-to-business examples of companies that leverage technology include:

 IBM
 Intel
 Kinaxis
 Zoom
 Zapier
 others

IBM's B2B Collaboration, for instance, allows companies to store and exchange
data in a secure environment. Users can transfer files, turn data into valuable
insights and monitor their activity and performance all on a single platform.

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Technological Challenges Facing Small Businesses

Infrastructure management, law enforcement, cyber security and budget

problems are just a few examples. If you are a startup or a small business, even
a small mistake can cost you a lot of money.

For example, new technologies may not work well with older applications or
systems. This can lead to data errors, inaccurate reporting, random system
crashes and more. The best way to prevent these problems is to research and
test your latest software ahead of time. If possible, sign up for a free trial or use
an IT team.

As a small business owner, it is important that you determine the actual cost of
using the new technology. You may need to invest in staff training, bring in new
people and set aside money for infrastructure management and maintenance.
Regular and refurbishment is a must and comes at a price.

With so many types of modern technology being used in business, choosing the
original one will not be easy. Do you really need automated marketing software
for your startup? What about an unpleasant truth? Will it benefit your
customers and improve their knowledge? Most importantly, does your team
have the necessary skills to make full use of this new technology? If not, can you
hire more people?

Also, be aware of the safety risks involved. There is no perfect technology. Any
app or software has vulnerabilities that cyber makers may target. In fact, 60
percent of businesses that deal with cyber-attacks close their doors in six
months. More than 70 percent of attacks target small companies. Cyber-attacks
can cause irreparable damage to your product and reputation. In the worst-case
scenario, you could end up in prison. Imagine being a victim of cyberattack and
having your customer information stolen and your bank account compromised.
This can lead to criminal charges and even bankruptcy. Keep these things in
mind whenever you switch to a new technology. Analyze the risks and make an
informed decision.

If you have a limited budget, consider investing in security software rather than
chasing the next big thing. Encrypted backup, anti-virus software and other
technologies help prevent data breaches and protect your business. Make sure

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you have a disaster recovery plan to minimize losses in case something goes
wrong.

In this digital age, change is a completely new phenomenon. You no longer have
the power to ignore modern technology solutions. Even basic tools like invoicing
software, VoIP and cloud storage can drive business growth while saving time
and money. The latest technology can improve communication and
collaboration among employees, create duplicate tasks and provide an accurate
understanding of your company's operations.

Knowing when to accept change is as important as choosing the right technology

for your business. Make sure you have the skills and resources needed to make
the changes you envision. Try to avoid shiny-object syndrome and research your
options before investing in new technologies and software.

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Why Is Information Technology Important to an Organization?

It might be a little difficult to fathom the importance of information technology

to an organization if you’re not an IT professional. However, there are numerous
ways in which information technology is crucial to an organization.

Business

The business world changed forever when computers were introduced onto the
scene. Businesses can utilize information technology through the use of
computers and different software to run their operations in a smoother fashion.
They use it in different departments, including finance, manufacturing, human
resources, and security.

Education

Education is one of the frontiers of technology and is growing with technology

every day. It’s important that education be able to keep up with the progress
happening in technology by reaching students in a way that adequately helps
them to prepare for the future. The students in our classrooms today are meant
to be the thought leaders, business people, teachers, and investors of
tomorrow, so technology should be used to prepare them. This includes the use
of gadgets in teaching, such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets, as well as
the use of the internet as a medium of learning.

Finance

With an increasing number of transactions happening online, it is important that

financial and security institutions work together to make the internet a safe
place. As more transactions are done on the internet, there will be a need for
more networks and greater security, making it possible for banks to keep
purchases and sales secure.

Health

With improvements in information technology, it is becoming easier to reform

the health sector. Medical offices are now able to share medical information

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with each other, and they can get your health data from your previous doctors.
This makes it possible for timely care to be delivered, as well as for costs to be
reduced.

Security

With an increasing number of transactions being done online, there is an ever-

increasing need for safety. Information technology is what makes it possible to
keep your data and information safe and only accessible by you. Through the
use of encryption and passwords, your digital data is safely hidden away and can
only be accessed by those who have your permission.

The Rise of Innovation

The rise of innovation can be traced to the human race getting smarter. According
to the Flynn Effect, general IQ has begun to rise since the 1930s. The average IQ
has risen from 80 points to 100 points.
While innovations in travel and multimedia improved collective intelligence, these
were mainly passive forms of learning. Today, computer applications and the
global brain have switched on active learning and improved how fast people learn
new things.
Innovation in Business
Information technology fosters innovation in business. Innovation results in
smarter apps, improved data storage, faster processing, and wider information
distribution. Innovation makes businesses run more efficiently. And innovation
increases value, enhances quality, and boosts productivity.
Innovation through information technology has created the following radical
changes in business:
· Online shopping is more efficient than shopping in a store.
· Digital marketing is more efficient than high cost newspaper, television, and
radio advertising.
· Social networking is more efficient than going to clubs.
· VoIP communication is more efficient than legacy telephony.
· Cloud computing is more efficient than a private computer network.
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Businesses that have embraced the innovation paradigm tend to have the
following characteristics:
· They have more accurate business planning
· They have more effective marketing
· They have higher global sales
· They have more systematic management
· They use real time monitoring
· They offer instant customer support
In fact, it’s hard to think of long-term business growth without the push of
information technology.

5 Reasons for Accelerated Business Growth

The technological revolution has improved businesses this century in the
following five primary ways:
1. Information technology has given business the tools to solve complex problems.
Improved hardware (more memory, faster processors, sharper visual displays,
etc.) combined with smarter applications (Mind mapping software like X Mind,
collaborative software like Kanban boards, organizers like Google calendar, etc.)
have made it easier to research data, analyze it, and plan scalability. Many tools
available to solve complex problems.
2. Information technology allows businesses to make better decisions.
Good decisions in business are based on solid market research. This can be done
through engaging teams through video conferences, reviewing public sentiment
on social media and industry forums, and using online surveys to get customer
feedback. There are also tools like Microsoft CRM Dynamics and Google Analytics.
3. Information technology has improved marketing.
Internet marketing using online advertising methods (SEO, PPC, Facebook Ads)
are far more accurate ways than traditional marketing of finding target audiences,
discovering their needs, and building a marketing campaign to persuade them to

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buy. It’s difficult to see how many people read a newspaper ad. It’s easy to figure
out how many people clicked on an online banner.
4. Information technology has improved customer support.
Customers can receive support from multiple channels telephone, emails, social
media platforms, webinars, and so on. Additionally, customer relationship
management systems help businesses understand customer behavior.
5. Information technology has improved resource management.
Cloud computing allows a company’s employees to use any device anywhere in
the world to access their enterprise level software.

Disadvantages of new technology include:

 Increased dependency on technology

 Often large costs involved with using the latest technology (especially for
small businesses)
 Increased risk of job cuts
 Closure of high street stores in favour of online business
 Security risk in relation to data and fraud
 Required regular updates
 Can go down or have faults, which can stop all business operations instantly

How Much?
Established businesses outside the technology industry typically spend between ½
percent and 10 percent of their annual revenue on technology spending,
depending mostly on the industry. Manufacturing and retail are typically at the
low end of this range, while finance and health care are typically at the high end.

What?
What costs do you need to consider as part of your technology budget? These
break down into several categories:
 Initial cost—hardware and software, and training
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  Ongoing cost—maintaining systems, including licenses for proprietary
software, hosting, and support
 Upgrade cost—cost of upgrades, and expected lifespan of
systems/frequency of upgrades
 Value proposition—how much employee time will the system save? How
much new business could the system generate?
 Opportunity cost—how much potential revenue is lost by not implementing
a system? What are your competitors doing in this area?
 Risk—what are the risks of a particular system? What does it cost to
mitigate those risks?

Who?
Finally, you need to decide who to help you implement technology in your
business. Will you do it yourself? Do you purchase an off-the shelf product? Do
you use free software? Do you hire a programmer to create a custom system? Do
you use a hosted system? Do you hire a consultant to help?
Obviously, as an open source consultant, I think the answer is usually hire a good
consultant to help you use as much quality free software in your business as
possible. Whether or not to use a hosted system depends on your specific
business needs. Off-the-shelf proprietary products are quickly becoming the least
favorable way to go, but there are still a few niches where there isn't a viable
alternative.
Many businesses are stuck at a tactical level, trying to stay ahead on cash flow
and payroll, and don't have time to think about technology in a strategic way. But
a strong plan for technology should be a part of every business plan, and re-
evaluated whenever taking a strategic look at a business.

How Can I Use Technology to Work Effectively?

As a business owner, you may be wondering how you can use technology to its
full potential for your business.

First, use technology to integrate communication within your organization. Let

your employees be on the same page, using things like forums and social media
to keep everyone informed about what's going on in the business and where it's

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headed. That way, they will be tailored to the business objectives, and their
productivity will be greatly improved.

You can also use technology to improve the service you provide to your
customers, empowering them to give you feedback on your products and
services, as well as suggestions on what you can improve.

By improving security levels, you can also eliminate passwords completely and
try biometric security programs, which do not require you to memorize twelve
passwords at a time.

Information Technology is the backbone of all sectors

Information Technology (IT) can be called the backbone of all industries due to
the widespread use of computers, the Internet and telecommunications
systems. Information Technology assists with the management, deception,
storage, retrieval, sharing / communication and transfer of small amounts of
information and large data efficiently and effectively.

Handicrafts in the past can now be done easily and effectively with the help of
computers. There is no need to save paper files as all important documents can
be stored on a computer and can be accessed without much hassle. Better and
faster online connections have led to global use and have greatly benefited
industries and businesses around the world.

However, things were not the same in the 60s and 70s and the IT sector was
dominated by limited areas such as banks, big business houses, computer
scientists and mathematical engineers. The advent of personal computers
changed this situation and suddenly IT was used in almost every field. Big / small
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business, industry, education sector, government sector, defense, marketing,
fashion, security, journalism etc. These days there is no forum for negative
impact on information technology.

In addition to making the job easier around the world, the IT industry has also
created many job opportunities for people, giving the youth a field to explore.

Few Examples of How IT Has Changed Industries Near:

Media: The media field has been fully developed and transformed by IT. Now,
the media can better cover stories and can spread them out to be widely used.
Apart from TV and radio, online websites launched to keep people updated Now
we have 24 * 7 stories.

Banking: A few years ago, banking with manual labor and data storage was the
norm. But with the advent of the computer, everything has changed. Now the
entries are written directly and effectively on PC files, the money can be
transferred online, the balance of the account can be checked, people are given
an online banking service to make various transactions.

Business: Businesses around the world, thanks to IT, are no longer tied to one
location. With the help of internet communication, they can reach the world. It
is because of IT that there are many people today who can work for employers
who are in a different area.

Education: In the past, education was largely based on textbooks. Nowadays,

however, the internet plays an important role in teaching students’ valuable
information about any subject they want to learn about. There is no shortage of
information online and it can be easily accessed.

Medical: IT has brought about changes in the medical field. With the help of
new technologies, technologies and equipment developed by IT in this particular
field, physicians can provide more accurate treatment to patients. Something
that did not happen ten to twenty years ago.

Transport: The Transport Sector is also unaffected. New inventions and

innovations have improved the transportation industry to a great extent. Roads,
railways, airways, waterways have all been changed. Availability of seats,
timelines are all stoned for the sake of the internet.

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It would not be wrong to say that we are truly living in a global village, where
everyone is connected to everyone. It plays a key role in transforming the
entire industry.

………………………THE END…………………

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