“Global IT Industry” Is an Embarrassingly Dead Phrase

You know, whenever someone talks about the "global IT industry," it just sounds like they’re stuck in the 90s. It used to be this big buzzword, but nowadays, isn’t it just a part of everyday life? It’s funny to think about how once, IT was this specialized field, and now, it’s so integrated into everything that it feels weird to even talk about it separately.

IT - Information Technology?

Remember when IT used to mean that someone had specialized knowledge in something mysterious and techy? They were the people you called to fix your computer or set up your office network. It was this distinct industry with its own language and way of doing things. Fast forward to today, and IT is embedded into pretty much every job, business, and even daily life.

Think about how different sectors use technology now. It’s not just the tech companies. Every company needs IT, whether it’s a hospital, a clothing brand, or even your local coffee shop. They all rely on tech to run smoothly, from handling inventory to customer management and data security.

• A grocery store uses IT for online ordering systems, inventory tracking, and even for marketing based on customer data.
• A fashion brand relies on IT for everything from supply chain management to digital storefronts and even designing new collections.
• Healthcare now heavily depends on IT systems for managing patient data, telemedicine services, and improving overall care delivery.

The idea of "IT" being this separate, specialized field is outdated because it’s now part of every business and sector. Talking about the "global IT industry" feels like you’re pointing out the obvious—like saying there’s a “global electricity industry” when we all use electricity every day.

The Death of IT as a Standalone Industry

When people mention the global IT industry, it’s kind of like talking about a payphone industry—something that was relevant before, but now everyone has moved on. Technology has evolved so much that it no longer feels like this distinct, niche thing. It’s like air: we don’t talk about the air we breathe, it’s just there, everywhere, supporting everything.

Even people who don’t think they work in IT actually do, in one way or another. You could be a marketing professional, a graphic designer, or a small business owner—IT plays a role in everything. It’s no longer just about fixing servers or setting up networks; it’s baked into the job description of so many roles without being specifically called "IT."

• A marketing team uses IT to manage data analytics, social media campaigns, and customer behavior tracking.
• A small business owner relies on IT for point-of-sale systems, managing finances, and even running an online presence.
• A schoolteacher might use IT to create digital lesson plans, manage grades online, and communicate with students.

This is why the concept of the global IT industry is so outdated—it’s no longer something you can point to and say, "That’s a separate thing." It’s in everything we do, so treating it like an industry on its own is missing the bigger picture.

IT Is Now Just Business as Usual

There was a time when businesses that weren’t directly in tech could choose whether to invest in IT. But now, there’s no choice—every business relies on technology to function. Even if you’re running a small café, you’re going to have a point-of-sale system, Wi-Fi for your customers, and a social media presence to attract more people.

Technology is now a core part of any business strategy, regardless of what industry you’re in. It’s not just about having a team of IT experts tucked away in some corner of the office fixing bugs. It’s about integrating IT into everything, so much so that you don’t even notice it’s there anymore—it’s just business as usual.

• A restaurant uses IT for everything from online reservations to digital menus and customer loyalty programs.
• A freelancer might use IT to invoice clients, manage projects, and maintain a professional online portfolio.
• Even a farmer uses IT to monitor crops, manage equipment, and forecast weather patterns.

IT isn’t a separate thing anymore; it’s just part of doing business. So, when people talk about the "global IT industry," it feels like they’re missing the point that IT has evolved into something much more integrated and omnipresent.

Everyone Is in IT Now

One of the biggest shifts is that IT isn’t confined to a certain group of people or job titles anymore. Practically everyone is in IT now, whether they realize it or not. You don’t need to be a developer or a network engineer to be involved with IT. Even if you’re not technically "in IT," you’re still working with tech every day.

People who once had no connection to technology are now using it in ways that were unthinkable even 20 years ago. From using apps to run businesses to leveraging cloud-based systems for collaboration, technology is in everyone’s hands. The skills that were once specialized are now mainstream.

• A content creator relies on IT for video editing, social media management, and content distribution.
• A delivery driver uses IT to track routes, log deliveries, and communicate with dispatchers.
• A fitness trainer uses IT to track client progress, schedule classes, and market their services.

So, to talk about IT like it’s some kind of exclusive, separate industry just doesn’t make sense anymore. Everyone is already part of the "IT industry" in one way or another, whether they know it or not. The lines between traditional industries and IT have blurred so much that they’re practically invisible.

Moving Beyond the IT Industry Label

Maybe it’s time to retire the term "global IT industry" altogether because it doesn’t reflect what’s happening today. We don’t need to separate IT from everything else; it’s already woven into the fabric of how we live and work. Talking about it like it’s a distinct entity feels outdated and, honestly, a little embarrassing at this point.

Rather than clinging to the idea of an IT industry, it makes more sense to recognize that we’re in a world where technology is the backbone of everything. It’s not this specialized, niche industry that only certain people are involved in anymore. The sooner we drop the label, the more we can focus on how technology is shaping everything around us.

• Every business relies on tech to survive, whether it’s through customer service, operations, or marketing.
• Every job involves some form of technology, even if it’s not obvious on the surface.
• Every sector uses tech to innovate, from healthcare to retail to education.

By letting go of the idea that IT is a standalone industry, we can start seeing it for what it really is—an integral part of everything. It’s no longer something separate from other fields. It’s just part of the way the world works now. So next time someone talks about the "global IT industry," maybe we should just smile and move on—it’s already everywhere, and it’s not going anywhere.

Going Green?

Switching lanes a bit, let's chat about the environment. Technology's super cool, but our planet is even cooler, right? The good news? More and more tech initiatives are leaning towards being kind to Mother Earth.

What's making tech more earth-friendly?

• Power-Saving Modes: Many devices now come with settings that consume less power. It’s a bit like taking a shorter shower or turning off the lights when you leave a room. Small actions, big impact.
• E-Waste Recycling: Those old phones and gadgets? They're getting a second life. Many companies are encouraging users to drop off old devices so they can be safely taken apart and recycled. It’s like turning old jeans into trendy shorts.
• Solar-Powered Tech: The sun’s not just for tanning anymore. From charging stations to entire data centers, solar energy is becoming a tech best friend. Imagine harnessing all that sunny goodness to power up gadgets.
• Reducing Carbon Footprints: Many big tech names are committing to using clean energy and even planting trees to offset their carbon emissions. It's like planting a garden every time you host a big party – balancing out the fun with some green love.

To wrap it up, the digital landscape is stretching, growing, and evolving, but with a conscious effort to tread lightly on the planet. Whether we’re chatting about the internet popping up in the most unexpected corners or tech turning over a green leaf, it's clear that the future is not just smart but also kind and considerate. Cheers to that!