1. By Mr. Abdalla A. Shaame

2.  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.

3.  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

4.  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

5.  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

6.  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.

7.  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

8.  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.

9.  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.

10. IMPACT ON THE BUSINESSIMPACT 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 goods and services means that an organization does not needs a physical high street presence, thus saving costs. Consumer will not have to leave.  Home to purchase items.  All transactions can be carried out online

11.  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.

12.  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.

13.  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