Information technology (IT) refers to a set of methods that allow you to optimize processes to reduce labor intensity. A classification of the types of information technologies is required for their correct usage.

Information technology classification criteria

Modern information technologies can be classified according to various criteria. The features of information technology classification:

Classification of information technologies by the sphere of application

• by interface;
• by network interaction;
• by construction methods;
• by the extent of the covered tasks;
• by participation in the dialogue.

A more detailed classification of information technologies is introduced below.

By the sphere of usage

Here IT is divided into providing and functional. The first ones include analysis methods, working with databases, and decoding symbols. The functional ones are applied in a specific area.

By interface

The technologies can be:

• batch: the analysis is carried out in a certain sequence;
• dialogue: there is no sequence here;
• network: they help you to get access to computing resources.

By network interaction

They are subdivided into:

• local: a system of interconnected means of transmitting, storing, and analyzing data;
• multi-level: they represent the structure of the network created in the form of hierarchical steps;
• distributed: a high-quality transfer of information takes place with the help of this group.

By construction methods

There are:

• function-oriented: the work in this area is divided into several functions;
• objective-oriented: it is based on the creation of a system in the form of a certain set.

By the degree of the management tasks’ coverage

IT is subdivided into:

• task processing: they help you solve tasks for which you have the necessary data;
• management: they meet the data needs of those users who make decisions;
• office automation: they are used to support communication processes;
• expert systems: they are the basis for automating the work of analysts.

By participation in the dialog

There are:

• passive: they provide information after the user contacts the system on request;
• active: they are characterized by the fact that they independently transmit information to the subscriber.

Thus, grouping IT allows you to choose a more appropriate type of IT.