September 22, 2022
The difference between ICT and IT
ICT and IT are two distinct fields that are easily confused. For those working in the tech industry, these differences are obvious, but for those looking to learn more about information technologies, it may be necessary to unpack these terms a bit.
IT (information technology) encompasses the use of computers, networks, computer software and other electronic or digital devices for the management and communication of information. ICT (information communication technology) focuses more on how digital technologies assist users in handling information. In essence, ICT is an extension of IT that focuses more on communication.
SEACOM Business offers both IT and ICT services. We provide various IT services such as cloud computing and cyber security. Our ICT services include services such as fibre internet connectivity, carrier ethernet and colocation infrastructure.
IT vs ICT in business
While there's no universal definition for ICT, most agree that it has to do with the communication between people. IT, on the other hand, is more about the hardware and software that drives ICT. While IT focuses on the systems and tools that enable the management of digital information, ICT is focused more on the field of telecommunications.
Both are essential to business and go hand-in-hand. As such, SEACOM Business provides both ICT and IT services to South African enterprises. We offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of your specific industry and digital environment.
IT solutions for organisations
Information technologies are used by enterprises in a variety of ways. At a very basic level, it includes employee devices and other electronic office equipment that enables people to do their jobs. IT also includes virtual networks and software.
An IT system encompasses every piece of hardware and software that is used in a network. Anything that is used to store, retrieve and communicate digital information falls under the umbrella of IT.
Cloud computing is an example of cutting edge information technologies. With the cloud, businesses enhance their productivity and performance by giving users access to the information they need via any device in any location.
Information technologies also include cyber security tools that are needed to protect that data from cyberthreats. SEACOM Business has a range of cyber security solutions for enterprises in South Africa. These include products such as DDoS protection, cloud-based VPN, and endpoint protection.
Depending on the size and scope of your digital ecosystem, businesses can choose an appropriate level of protection. Working in partnership with SEACOM Business ensures that your IT networks and data are in good hands.
ICT for large organisations
Telecommunications involves the transmission of signals across short, medium and long distances. This might include fibre networks, mobile networks, or even technologies such as ADSL. Any device used to send text, audio or video forms part of the ICT solutions for large organisations.
ICT is built on IT technologies. This means that the two are not mutually exclusive but instead work in conjunction with each other to provide digital solutions for businesses. SEACOM Business works in conjunction with large organisations to establish high performance telecommunications networks within the company network.
This might include direct line access for uncapped and unshaped connectivity. For large organisations working on Microsoft Teams, it may include direct routing for voice PBX. With the intention of improving performance and connection quality, these ICT solutions improve telecommunications systems. Faster and more reliable connections can be established, bringing users in various locations seamlessly together.
The future of IT and ICT in business
Both IT and ICT are going to be heavily influenced by advances in automation and deep learning. Research has shown that artificial intelligence and machine learning are strongly impacting the nature of IT and ICT solutions.
Technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) are positively affecting the performance of digital communications. NLP is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows machines to recognise and interpret nuances in human language. On a very basic level, it can organise unstructured data. A more advanced application would be chatbots which can interact naturally with customers providing high quality pre- and post-sales services.
IT is also being shaped by machine learning algorithms. Cyber security solutions, such as those offered by SEACOM Business, are able to improve overtime as they analyse computer networks. Automated security systems can detect any irregularities in behaviour, helping security teams monitor huge data sets. Automated alerts can be set up if any suspicious activity occurs.
When cyber security solutions are cloud-based, this allows organisations to draw on global threat intelligence. New types of threats are constantly emerging. Being able to respond to so-called zero-day threats sets businesses up for higher levels of protection.
Choosing the right ICT and IT partner
Modern enterprises that are digitally-enabled need both IT and ICT solutions. It's essential for large organisations to capture and store data effectively and securely. ICT enables greater agility and business innovation, particularly with the trend of remote working and blended workspaces.
SEACOM Business has a range of IT and ICT solutions that are designed with South African enterprises in mind. For more information or to get a quote for our various IT and ICT services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.
SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.
For more information on our internet and voice solutions, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Keep an eye on our news section for insightful articles and relevant news stories on African ICT, internet connectivity and our leading cloud and security solutions.
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