Today we are overrun with information. Many firms have computer information systems and an executive who oversees all aspects of information technology. Generally, this executive has the title of chief information officer (CIO). Data are unorganized facts and figures, whereas information is data converted into a form that helps people make decisions and do their jobs.

Big Data refers to having a very large data set, which is made possible through technology. Big Data has launched a boom industry in data analytics and science. Data are used to run statistical analysis to find relationships between variables and predict outcomes, such as which product customers will buy, which become information used to make decisions. Communication often takes place through the use of information technology.

Information technology refers to the technology used to store, process, and distribute useful data. To use IT, you generally need hardware (PCs, laptops, digital device tablets, and smartphones), an operating system (Windows, Android, or iOS), and software (Microsoft Office or Messenger apps). The idea behind cloud computing is that companies store data and software on the Internet, then access it and run it all over the Web from their office computers, which don’t need as much storage space or expensive software.

On the personal negative side of IT, recall that smartphones keep people connected to the office, blurring work–life balance.