Information and Communication Technology department is responsible for the installation and maintenance of computers used to store, retrieve, share, and manipulate data or information
Information and Communication Technology Functions
The Three Major ICT Functions
Enhancing Governance refers to the implementation of operational parameters for working units and individuals’ use of ICT systems, architecture, and networks.
Maintenance of Infrastructure which includes the hardware components, the network, the circuitry, and all other equipment necessary to make an ICT system function according to the established needs and system “size” of the company.
Ensuring ICT infrastructure Functionality which is perhaps the most apparent task performed by the IT department. It refers to creating and maintaining operational applications; developing, securing, and storing electronic data that belongs to the organization; and assisting in the use of software and data management to all functional areas of the organization.
These three functions are further classified as:
ICT Network Responsibilities
The ICT Network team t oversees the installation and maintenance of computer network systems within the organization. This may only require a single ICT employee, or in the case of larger organizations, a team. Its primary function is to ensure that the network runs smoothly.
The ICT Network team evaluates and install the proper hardware and software necessary to keep the network functioning properly. This includes working within a budget that allocates the amount of money the company can afford on network devices and software. The ICT department makes sure that the equipment it invests in both optimally serves the needs of the Organisation without going over budget.
Networks can be simple or extremely complex depending upon their size and composition.
Network Contingencies
Should a network system go down, the repercussions can be costly — not just to the Organization and its operations, but outside entities that require products or services from the Organization. These outside entities could be affected and lose faith in the Organization’s ability to provide them with what they need. The ICT department ensures a crisis plan in place that can be implemented should the system go down. It is designed to put the network back up quickly or allow it to switch over to an alternate system until the necessary repairs are completed.
Through the maintenance and planning of a network system, the ICT department must forge professional relationships with outside vendors and industry experts. This helps the department employees perform their duties more efficiently as well as stay current on the latest technology that might be beneficial to the Organization for which they work.
Application Development
Quite often, Organizations see the main role of the ICT department as creating the applications that serve its core business needs. The right applications allow a business to be innovative, more productive, efficient, and to move ahead of its competitors. In many ways, this makes the ICT department crucial to the success of a business.
The expertise necessary to create the applications that can set a business apart from the others requires an IT department with programmers, analysts, interface designers, database administrators, testers, and other professionals. These employees become quite knowledgeable about the operations of the business itself. As a result, they become valuable to other departments outside IT.
Telephony
Most people are aware that the ICT department focuses on the success of computer operations and other information technologies needs within a business. However, with many new forms of electronic communication replacing older technology, communication is being redefined and is now referred to as “telephony.” This includes point to point phone calls as well as conference calls. Video and web conference also fall under this category and include other forms of technology necessary to facilitate communication: network drives, electronic mail (email), and secure servers.
The SON ICT department fully understand how these systems work and interact with each other. The department must also ensure that these systems remain operational at all times.
Organizations Website
The ICT department is responsible for creating and maintaining the company’s website. It designs the layout, creates the code, and tests the site for usability. Depending upon the needs of the company, the ICT department can design the site for information only, or create a completely interactive commercial site that can sell products directly to consumers.
Technical Support
Employees are familiar with having to contact the ICT department for computer support. The IT department provides this service for all the users who need access to the company’s computer systems. This might entail installing new software or hardware, repairing hardware that has become faulty, training employees in the use of new software, and troubleshooting problems with the system or with an individual’s computer.
It’s apparent that not all the IT department does is apparent – it creates and maintains so many systems that go unseen or unrecognized by employees. These services, however, are integral to the success of a business. Though they may not be appreciated when business is running smoothly, their importance is greatly recognized when something goes wrong.
