Six categories of technologies are generally used in an information technology (IT) context. These include enterprise, infrastructures, networks, systems, digital/electronic, and analog/digital technologies. It is important for organizations to understand these categories prior to using any of their IT resources in a generic way. There are six distinct categories of technologies that have unique aspects when it comes to the type of services or products they provide. In addition, six other categories exist which are simply useful to categorize IT resources.
Enterprise IT
The first category of IT technology is enterprise IT. This encompasses all the physical and logical systems that comprise an organization. It also covers the ways in which these IT systems are implemented. Within this broad category, there are six different categories: new technologies, software, devices, networking, memory, and servers.
Bio-related IT
The second category of IT technology is bio-related IT. This broader category comprises what is known as bio-related technologies. Within the bio-related IT six categories there are what are known as life science technologies, technical solutions to real-world problems, systems and information, and therapeutic technologies. These six categories, when considered in isolation, define what are known as IT solutions. They provide organizations with what are known as organizational lifecycles which span their life-cycle. The starting point for everything in an organization, from the concept to the product launched into the phase when it is being commercially sold, is IT.
Productivity tools
The third category of IT technology is what is known as productivity tools. This term refers to a set of activities that improve productivity, efficiency and controls costs. Within the realm of productivity tools, there are six categories: enterprise architecture, desktop, server technology, web technologies, application technologies, and network technologies. When organizations decide to invest in IT and use IT solutions, they are doing so in the context of implementing productivity tools within the enterprise. These tools can be implemented as a complete overhauling of an organization’s system using technologies such as web-based applications and database integration.
Rules associated with national security
The fourth category of IT technology is what is known as rules associated with national security. Within the realm of rules, there are six categories: control, defense, law enforcement, communications, information, and transportation safety and security. In order to be implemented within an organization, there are certain procedures that need to be followed. For instance, if an organization wishes to make changes to its processes and procedures it will first need to have a review conducted in terms of what changes are required, the impact such changes will have on processes and the effect these changes will have on the organization as a whole. Management needs to conduct a risk assessment before making any changes to the rules associated with national security. In addition, before implementing any IT measures it is also important for organizations to identify and assess any threats or vulnerabilities to the networks of the organization.
Infrastructure-based technologies
The fifth IT technology is what is known as “infrastructure-based technologies.” These technologies include information technology, networks, storage systems, networking, and software. This is the category in which most IT investments happen as infrastructure for national security. This category is divided into two subcategories: deployed and non-deployed IT infrastructures.
Identify the top tech-skill candidates
The six categories of IT technology are useful when used as a tool to identify the top tech-skill candidates for IT positions within an organization. A high ranking in one of these categories means that an individual possesses a certain level of technological expertise. The best technology positions often require individuals to possess certain expertise in at least one of these six areas. This helps to ensure that individuals with technological expertise are hired for top jobs within organizations.
Finally
It should be noted that what are considered to be the six categories of IT are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, what are considered to be the top tech skills in IT also depend on the roles individuals play within an organization. Thus, it is not really what are the six categories of IT, but rather the roles individuals play that determine which of the six categories is the top technology position. This is important because the best technology positions often involve both simple technology and complex technology and therefore the role an individual has in one area can influence their ability to find a top job in the IT industry.