By
Mr. Abdalla A. Shaame
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ICT is an acronym that stands for Information
Communications Technology
However, apart from explaining an acronym,
there is not a universally accepted definition
of ICT? Why?
Because the concepts, methods and
applications involved in ICT are constantly
evolving on an almost daily basis.
Its difficult to keep up with the changes they happen so fast.
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A good way to think about ICT is to consider all
the uses of digital technology that already exist
to help individuals, businesses and organizations
use information.
ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve,
manipulate, transmit or receive information
electronically in a digital form.
For example, personal computers, digital
television, email, robots.
So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval,
manipulation, transmission or receipt of digital
data.
Importantly, it is also concerned with the way
these different uses can work with each other
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Information and communications
technologies ( ICTs) is an umbrella term
which is currently used to refer to a wide
range of services (telephony, fax, internet ),
applications (such as distance education and
management information systems), and
technologies (anything from ‘old
technologies’ such as television to ‘new
technologies’ such as cellular phones), using
various types of equipment and software,
often running over telecoms networks
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The ICT (or information, or communications,
or microprocessor) revolution is radically
aVecting the way we share information about
development issues; and governments, NGOs,
businesses, institutions, and individuals have
jumped on the bandwagon to make ICTs part
of their day to day organizational processes.
The issue of transparency is easier to manage
with ICTs, which may result in monetary
savings in addition to stakeholder condense
in development processes and systems
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ICT has had a huge impact upon the way in
which we communicate, socialize and work.
Actually, every aspect of society has been
effected by ICT development and to a large
extent ICT is an integral part of our lives.
The growth in ICT use and technology
development has also generated the need for
more responsive legislation to ensure that
users are protected from illegal activities.
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There are a wide range of technologies
available that allow users to access and
exchange information.
The development of technology have
influenced, and may continue to influence
areas such as:
 Business and Organization
 Law and order
 Entertainment and leisure
 Personal communications
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Developments in technology have had a
marvelous impact on businesses and
organization.
Organization have had to embrace new
technology, and this has had both positive
and negative implications.
With regards to employee and there work
styles, developments in technology have
improved communications and generated a
more interactive, collaborative environment,
hence operation have become more efficiency
and productive.
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The impact of a new technology on products
and services may be seen as a positive effect
for an organization due to the ability to sell
online, reduce costs and increasing efficiency.
However the consumer may perceive these
changes differently.
The growth in e-commerce has contributed
to different ways of buying, selling and
trading, as shown in figure below.
IMPACT ON THE BUSINESS
IMPACT ON THE CONSUMER
More streamlined and
efficiency services.
Items can be marketed
through
website, transactions can be
taken
using e-commerce and
electronic
payment systems.
Loss of personal one-to-one
service.
Possibly no one to speak to.
All transaction are carried out
electronically
More variety in products and
services.
Organization can advertise
more
items online in a virtual
shopping
environment
Greater flexibility, eg. Wider
payment options, opportunity
to shop around for the best
deals and compare prices, etc.
Using website to promote
Consumer will not have to
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Law and order have been effected extensively
by the developments in technology.
Examples can be seen in all area of policing,
and low enforcement.
Advanced in technology are also evident in
schemes designed to capture motorist
information in relation to cognitive charges
and fines.
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The internet has provides endless opportunities
for people to communicate, play games and be
involved in interactive pursuits.
It has also enable people to plan their leisure
activities online by allowing people to book
tickets for flights, moves, attractions and
holidays.
Furthermore, the ability to use games consoles
technology has contributed to change in the way
in which the people are entertained.
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Development in technology have impacted
positively on the range of personal
communication devices available to consumers.
Devices such as laptops, PDAs and mobile
phones have enhanced personal communication,
especial for people in the move, who need to stay
in contact with office, family or friends.
The technologies that are available differ
between those that store, search, access,
connect, broadcast and organize data and
information and enable users to communicate
globally.
The most available popular technologies is the
internet