IT Matters, whether you like it or not!

Everything revolves around technologies nowadays. Every business, huge or small has a
net website so that you can visit their business. Unlike before, information technology was at
some sort limited in every sector but nowadays, we are extensively fed up with the technology
of information all around us. In the article of Nicholas Carr, "IT doesn't matter" he points out
that information technology becomes ubiquitous that they become commodities. He also
added that companies will just purchase from 3rd parties to fulfill IT requirements. Carr
introduced the idea that information technology (IT) does not provide a competitive advantage
to companies in a strategic manner. Carr argues that IT has become a commodity, and because
the very nature of strategy requires differentiation, information technology cannot possibly
qualify.

As I finished reading his article, I disagree with his major point that IT doesn't matter in
competitive advantage because, in the 21st century, information technology plays a major role
in improving and enhancing our lifestyle. IT matters in competitive advantage because if your IT
system is outdated you cannot keep up with the world's advancement. According to the south
education blog entitled "The importance of information technology in business", it was stated
there that workplaces cannot function without information technology and Information System
professionals. They are a valuable part of every office and business environment.

In Carr's view, all information technology was the same, delivering the same value
regardless of price or supplier. Carr suggested that since IT is essentially a commodity, it should
be managed like one. Just select the one with the lowest cost this is most easily accessible. He
went on to say IT management should see themselves as a utility within the company and work
to keep costs down. For Carr, IT's goal is to provide the best service with minimal downtime.
Carr saw no competitive advantage to be gained through information technology. For me, a
company should invest in the best IT system. Though it is risky but in economics parlance-the
higher the risk, the higher the returns. Expensive things offer the best quality.

Carr's statement about IT doesn't matter still exist in today's world. There is still
business who prefer manual systems and avoid spending for information technology systems.
Maybe in the year 2003, information technology is so readily available and the software used so
easily copied, businesses cannot hope to implement these tools to provide any sort of
competitive advantage. But today, Information technology helps to build and grow the
commerce and business sector and generate the maximum possible output. In the blog
"Importance of information technology in today's world" from digitalclassworld.com, the time
taken by different sectors to generate business is now minimized with the advancement in
information technology. It provides electronic security, storage, and efficient communication.
For me, a business should have a fund for information technology system enhancement. A
company should give importance to this factor to ensure better results and outcomes.

We live in the world of information, information technology has become a part of our
daily lives. The importance of Information technology in business is vast. It helps every business
sector in automating their processes and their systems to target objectives, generate revenue,
and reduce the inefficiency of their work. The value of business information technology is
increasing day by day in areas such as in commercial transactions, to fulfill the demands of
customers and regulatory requirements. The purpose behind Business Information Technology
is to fulfill the everyday growing needs of industries and to fulfill the growing expectations of
customers of every field. Moreover, it helps to speeds up operations and creates reports in just
one click. Thus, making use of the time efficiently and effectively.

Carr advocated spending less on IT, both to reduce costs and to decrease the risk of
buying soon-to-be-obsolete equipment and applications. For me, companies should not spend
less on information technology but instead improve their strategies and planning because even
computer programs need an update to create a timely output. In 2008, Brynjolfsson and
McAfee published a study in the Harvard Business Review on the role of IT in competitive
advantage, entitled "Investing in the IT That Makes a Competitive Difference." Their study
confirmed that IT can play a role in competitive advantage if deployed wisely. Information
systems can be used for competitive advantage, but they must be used strategically.
Organizations must understand how they want to differentiate themselves and then use all the
elements of information systems (hardware, software, data, people, and process) to accomplish
that differentiation.
 To sum it up, from small businesses run by a single person to huge multi-national
corporations, the importance of information technology in any business setting is evident.
Computer technology is used across the business world in every department and has become
vital to business operations in the modern world. Through information technology, many
traditional business models and concepts were revolutionized. Technology allowed us to see
things from a new perspective, and to approach what we were already doing from a new
perspective. Technology also gave us greater efficiency in conducting business. Through
technology, many traditional business models and concepts were revolutionized. Technology
allowed us to see things from a new perspective, and to approach what we were already doing
from a new perspective. Information technology also gave us greater efficiency in conducting
business. Technology provides many options for you to reach out and get in touch with a
customer or coworker. It also allows you to offer more mediums for taking care of customer
service issues. Many companies are taking advantage of technology and improved
communication by offering their employees the opportunity to work remotely especially during
this pandemic, information technology became a medium to continue our works and other
activities. Imagine not having these kinds of technologies where you need to go to your office
just to record the data or transaction. Information technology is a modern phenomenon that
has dramatically changed the daily lives of individuals and businesses throughout the world.
Businesses use information technology to automate many kinds of tasks, which can save both
time and money. IT plays an important role in every industry, helping companies improve
business processes, achieve cost efficiencies, drive revenue growth and maintain a competitive
in the marketplace. Information technology can speed up the time to takes the new products to
reach the market. Thus, IT matters whether you like it or not.

AIREYCA GLENN G. LANABAN, BSA-3