Technology underlies much of the information that companies manage. For example, a hacked terabyte can mean high stakes. A failing cloud system can translate to significant financial losses. That’s why the functionality of information systems is critical for companies worldwide.
The effective performance of information technology (IT) management departments may determine whether a business survives in the world of digital disruption. Whatever IT management does will always affect a business, regardless of its size. As such, competent IT management professionals who understand the intersection of tech and business are in high demand.
Logically, pursuing a job at the intersection of IT and business management requires expertise and skill in both areas. Aspiring professionals can gain a comprehensive foundation of needed knowledge and competencies through comprehensive coursework in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology Management program from Florida Institute of Technology.
What Is IT Management?
According to IBM, information technology management involves monitoring and administering a company’s technology systems. These systems include hardware, software and various information networks.
Professionals involved in managing IT focus on making information systems operate efficiently. In times past, IT departments were solely responsible for running an organization’s digital infrastructures. In contrast, IT is now center stage, influencing entire business operations, including numerous processes, problem-solving, decision-making, strategic planning and more.
Companies cannot operate without proper IT management. Today, data processing and always-on connectivity enable irreversible capabilities and efficiencies. It is virtually impossible to separate technology from the daily business operations of most modern companies.
Information Technology Management Essentials
The management of information technology can involve many unique, interconnected processes, integrating information systems, actionable information and end-users. Traditionally, IT infrastructure involved five main components: computer hardware, computer software, data management technology, telecommunications and human resources.
However, advancements in technology reshaped IT management functions. Current IT infrastructure augments traditional components with systems and services surrounding cloud computing, data centers, AI integration, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced analytics, big data, information security, cybersecurity and more — all of which interact and intersect in complex ways. Today’s technology trends evolve into integral IT system components at an extremely rapid pace.
Why Is the Management of Information Technology Important?
Organizations must ensure that their IT management practices guarantee the security and optimal performance of information technologies. As digital technology permeates every part of a business and becomes a corporate priority, information becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks. Breaches of an organization’s IT systems can be exorbitantly expensive.
According to research from IBM and Ponemon, aggregating insights from hundreds of organizations and thousands of cybersecurity experts and business leaders, the global average cost of a data breach was roughly $4.9 million in 2024. Information technology professionals working in cybersecurity and information security form the crucial line of defense against such attacks.
Beyond mitigating the cost of data breaches, the effective integration of information systems and new technologies can vastly improve an organization’s operations, increasing outcomes such as productivity, efficiency, revenue and market reach. Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that enterprises with an “IT maturity” score in the top 25% experience up to 35% higher revenue growth and 10% higher profit margins than organizations with lower levels of IT management performance.
What Does an IT Manager Do?
Professionals who take a lead role in adopting systems to improve business operations include IT directors, chief technology officers and IT managers. IT managers are responsible for supervising each operational group and ensuring timely and effective IT project management. When an IT director or a chief technology officer (CTO) announces an executive project, IT managers must delegate the responsibilities to the staff, assign timelines and make sure that budgets reflect goal expectations.
In a broad context, directors and chief technology officers (CTOs) communicate what the vision is, including goals and outcomes, and how that vision should be met. IT managers must determine how to handle the leader’s roadmap, achieve desired outcomes and apply resources efficiently.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information systems managers — including IT managers — typically have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. However, some employers require or prefer that IT leaders have a graduate degree in a relevant area, such as business administration. For those working in business-oriented information technology leadership, earning an MBA in IT management can provide both the business and technical skills necessary for success.
Features of Effective Management of Information Technology
Today’s IT leaders must use technology in innovative ways to keep pace with rapid change. Some of the most advanced IT management software is helping companies achieve unexpected outcomes, which gives businesses a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.
Effective IT infrastructures are a result of unified IT management teams. Successful IT departments not only oversee new technologies but also make sure tech implementation supports IT management goals and the organizational vision. Overseeing projects is a daily task for IT management departments, and businesses need to make sure that operations don’t slow down due to outdated processes.
Efficiency will keep everyone focused on the end goal. If managed well, IBM explains that the following software and tools can help IT departments speed up their workflow for efficient and accurate results:
Analytics: Data analysis can help cut down time identifying service impacts. Advanced analytics can gain further insights into processing issues and anomalies, making it easier for IT managers to avoid system failures.
Cloud Computing: Cloud computing services can support data security and recovery as well as overall scalability. Before the integration of the cloud, many companies resorted to using their own hard drives to administer large data sets. With cloud computing, IT departments can count on more unified, secure and efficient data management while reducing infrastructure costs.
AI and Cognitive Computing: Artificial intelligence (AI) systems help IT managers improve services throughout their company. These systems analyze data, predict outcomes and provide insight to accelerate problem-solving. Some organizations utilize specific AI tools, like chatbots that function as virtual assistants, communicating with users to resolve technical issues.
Exploring Careers in Managing Information Technology
With the ubiquity of technology integration in modern business, IT management professionals are in high demand across industries. According to IDC, a worldwide IT skills shortage will result in a projected cost of $5.5 trillion by 2026, due to delays, quality issues and revenue loss.
This combination of demand and skills shortage positions aspiring IT managers to occupy an important role in the complex global business environment. Plus, those who acquire the skills and expertise to pursue this profession can expect substantial compensation, especially with sought-after qualifications such the MBA in IT Management offered online by Florida Tech. As a field, IT management is fascinating and perpetually evolving. As a career, IT management can be engaging, high-stakes and rewarding in many ways.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Information Technology Management program.
