The use of computers, networks, and electronic systems to store, process, transmit, and retrieve information in business and organizational contexts.
First appeared in a 1958 Harvard Business Review article by Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L. Whisler, combining 'information' from Latin 'informare' meaning 'to shape or form' with 'technology' from Greek 'tekhnologia.' The field formalized as businesses adopted mainframe computers in the 1960s.
IT departments have evolved from technical support roles to strategic business partners, with the rise of digital transformation making technology decisions central to competitive advantage. The field has also democratized significantly - many functions once requiring specialized IT knowledge are now accessible to end users through intuitive interfaces.
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