Where you establish the beginning of information technology largely depends on how you want to define the term. If you mean information technology as it pertains to digital computers, the field emerged in the 1950s when scientists at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) started integrating circuits into large devices that could store and retrieve data. If you define information technology as any invention that stores data, you can trace the field’s origins to early writing.
Regardless of where you choose to begin the timeline, IT has played a critical role in human development by giving people ways to record, manipulate, and retrieve information. Let’s look at some of the historical milestones in IT development to gain a deeper understanding of how IT benefits people today.
Historical Milestones in IT Development
Some of the most important milestones in IT development include:
- The Analytical Engine (1801): conceived by mathematician Charles Babbage, the Analytical Engine was a steam-powered device that could theoretically perform large calculations.
- Punch Cards (1890): Herman Hollerith developed a punch-card system to make the U.S. census more efficient and accurate. The punch-card concept would remain influential for at least half a century.
- Turing Machine (1936): Alan Turing conceptualized a universal computational device. It was used to decode messages during World War II and remains a central concept in modern computing.
- First Digital Computer (1941): Konrad Zuse finished the first fully digital computer.
- Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) (1946): The Census Bureau funded the first commercial, general-purpose computer.
- First Transistor (1947): Bell Laboratories invented the first transistor, leading to the possibility of more compact computers with large vacuum tubes.
- First Computer Chip (1958): Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce developed the first integrated circuit.
- First Mouse and GUI (1968): Douglas Engelbart made computing technology more feasible for the public by introducing the mouse and graphical user interface (GUI).
At this point, computer technology begins evolving so rapidly that revolutionary scientists debut revolutionary new concepts nearly every year. By 1972, available technology makes it possible for Ralph Baer to release Pong for the first home computer system.
Transition From Mainframe Computers to Personal Devices
Early computers used by businesses and tech enthusiasts weren’t self-contained devices. Instead, they were terminals that relied on much larger mainframe computers that were typically housed at universities or companies developing new technologies. Although not commonly used by the public, IBM still releases mainframe computers. For example, IBM currently makes a z16 mainframe computer. Businesses use the z16 for its fast computational and AI features.
While some companies still use mainframe computers, they’re very rare compared to the number of personal devices available. Some of the first personal devices made by Atari, Sinclair, and Commodore had enough power to perform complex mathematics and process code fast enough for people to play video games.
The IBM PC changed everything by providing an all-in-one computer that came with a hard drive, screen, mouse, and floppy disk drive.
The Rise of Cloud Computing and Its Advantages
In some ways, the rise of cloud computing resembles the way businesses once used mainframe computers. As cloud computing became more popular throughout the 2000s, home and business users could tap into larger servers to access powerful software. The impact of cloud computing offers several advantages, including:
- Scalability that accommodates a company’s evolving needs
- Off-site data storage for disaster recovery
- Collaboration tools for remote and on-site employees
- Access to emerging technologies like machine learning, AI, and data analytics at affordable prices
- Mobile access to data and applications
Thanks to cloud computing, today’s companies can do business from any location with an internet connection.
Future Trends in IT – AI and Quantum Computing
AI and quantum computing are leading the future trends in IT. With AI, companies can analyze large data sets to make informed business decisions, serve customers, and predict future developments. AI is much more than a buzzword. It’s driving today’s most innovative organizations.
Quantum computing isn’t as available as AI, but it has enormous potential. By moving beyond the binary systems that underlie standard computer technology, quantum computing could solve problems that stump today’s fastest supercomputers. That’s good news for companies and governments that need to address complex issues. In the wrong hands, though, it could make it much easier for hackers to break into systems that were once considered secure. That only means that organizations need to adopt increasingly advanced security technologies to stay safe.
Staying Ahead of Your Competitors
Information technology never stops evolving. That’s a blessing for companies eager to embrace emerging IT trends. And it’s a curse for those that struggle to keep up with those trends. Knowing the history of how information technology continues to influence today’s business decisions further highlights the importance of keeping up with emerging tech.
Start following MRINetwork today to stay current with today’s leading technologies and discover more opportunities to thrive as IT changes.