Topics  covered

1. Essence of ICT
2. Main Characteristic of ICT
3. Components of ICT
4. Role of ICT in Contemporary World

The Essence of ICT

ICT - Information & Communication Technology - has not a universally accepted definition, since methods and tools used are steadily evolving  on a daily basis. However, we can describe it as, digital or digitalized systems that enable connectivity for individuals and organizations. Which means that information represented in those systems are in form of 0 and 1 (Binary), that is the language understood by computers, unlike the older type of technologies that were analog based.

What are the Characteristics of ICT 

• Connectivity, as they enable fast connection and communication .
• Digitalization, as mentioned previously, they rely on a digital form of communication.
• Interoperable, which allows different technologies/systems to communicate between each other in real time.
• Interactivity, enable people to participate, communicate, and collaborate with the use of digital devices.
• Mobility, which gives access to information and communication, regardless of the users’ physical location, unlike older technologies, were users were depended on the technology physical location. 

What are the main Components of an ICT System?

• Hardware, are the physical devices that are used to store and process information, such as  computer, servers, printers, scanners and other peripheral devices. These components represent the foundation of the system and enable the processing, storage, and input/output of data. 
• Software, are different type of applications used to send and receive information on different devices, such as: Application Software, System Software, Driver software, Programming Software, Open Source Software, and so on.
• Data, which are all the digitalized informations and their storage methods, such as Databases, Data Warehouses, and different solutions to store data. 
• Networks, are the different devices and infrastructure used to transmit information between each other. 
• People, even though we may have ICT without human beings (which would lead to have  devices communicating to each other) people are essential, since they still play a crucial role in ICT system operation and maintenance.
  

Role of ICT in Contemporary World

We know how important and transformative Information & Communication Technologies have been, and how essential are to the economy and society. However, what is less discussed, but still very relevant, is the challenges that those technologies may bring in the (near) future..

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