Emil Milewski

PPS 2669589Q

Communication essay

Information and communication technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play an important role in the life of modern man , and indeed are its inseparable part , accompanied in every area of life. Central Statistical Office defines ICT as follows :

It is seven basic industries in more or less related to ICT.In the group communication equipment production were:

computer equipment communication equipment network equipment and equipment for data transfer office equipment.

In the group of service include: software telecommunications services IT services

In the circle of ICT ( as has already been described in the definition ) is primarily the Internet, which is growing by leaps and bounds , mobile phones and electronic mass media such as radio and satellite TV.Information and communication technologies have the following characteristics :

They are used in many areas, both for personal as well as in companies and offices . Take into account the individual needs regardless of time and place .

ICT favor the dissemination of information and knowledge by separating content from a physical location. Geographical boundaries do not constitute an obstacle to the flow of information . They allow the integration of remote communities , which makes the information , knowledge and culture are theoretically available to everyone.

Digital and virtual nature of many products (services) ICT enables zero or declining marginal costs . The possibility of almost free , repeat the content regardless of the volume , low marginal costs of distribution and communication give rise to radically reduce transaction costs.

Thanks to ICT can be recovered , sort, filter and disseminate information , which undoubtedly can contribute to achieving a significant performance improvement in production and distribution.ICT streamline supply chains and production and make it transactional business processes and become more efficient .

Increase efficiency and reduce costs , caused by ICT , leading to production of new goods, services, distribution channels within traditional industries , as well as innovative business models and creating entirely new industries .

ICT facilitate elimination of intermediaries , because they allow users to obtain and use the services directly from the original provider , reducing the role of middlemen. While this does not affect the performance significantly , however, is one of the factors leading to the creation of so-called . single market , increasing the potential of ICT in meeting the expectations and preferences of users and consumers , depending on individual needs .

ICTs are global . Through the creation and development of networks , ICT can overcome cultural and language barriers . Thanks to individuals and social groups can live and work in any part of the world and participate in the creation of a global network economy , regardless of nationality . They represent a challenge to the current policy , legal and regulatory structures within and between nations.

Legislation and public policy

The Disability Act (2005). The Employment Equality Act. The Equal Status Acts 2000 & 2004. Procurement Regulations 2006. European Policy. Irish government policy. Local government.

Advantages

Communication - Speed / time – money can be saved because it’s much quicker to move information around

Globalization - Video conferencing saves money on flights and accommodation. ICT has not only brought the countries and people closer together, but it has allowed the world's economy to become a single interdependent system.

Cost effectiveness - It feels free to send an email (although it isn’t); it’s without doubt cheaper than phone calls.

Greater Availability - ICT has made it possible for businesses to be automated giving clients access to a website or voicemail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Bridging the cultural gap – Greater access to technology has helped to bridge the cultural gap by helping people from different cultures to communicate with one another, and allow for the exchange of views and ideas, thus increasing awareness and reducing prejudice.

Creation of new jobs - Probably, the best advantage of ICT has been the creation of new and interesting jobs. Computer programmers, Systems analysts, Hardware and Software developers, and Web designers are just some of the many new employment opportunities created with the help of ICT.

Education – Computer’s along with their programs and the Internet have created educational opportunities not available to previous generations.

Disadvantages

Unemployment - Replace "advances in technology" for "increased productivity" and the primary change from a labour-intensive to a technology-enabled economy can be explained.

Privacy - Though information technology may have made communication quicker, easier, and more convenient, it has also brought along privacy issues.

Lack of job security – Experts in a wide variety of fields believe that ICT has made job security a big issue, since technology keeps on changing nearly every day.

Overriding Cultures - While ICT may have made the world a global village, it has also contributed to one culture consuming another weaker one

Reliance on Technology – People don’t bother learning to spell because they use spell-checker, or need a calculator do perform minor addition or subtraction.

Reliability of Information – Anyone with access to a computer and an internet connection internet can start a blog or post something up on a website, so just because something’s on the web doesn't mean it’s reliable.