Definition of the Subject
The term ‘globalization’ could be widely encompassing given that the scope and sphere of apparent inclusive facets include worldwide perspectives. Vast amounts of studies have delved into determining the effect of globalization in different aspects of life. Lawlor, for instance, wrote an article entitled “The Age of Globalization: Impact of Information Technology (IT) on Global Business Strategies” as a Senior Capstone Project which comprehensively examined six processes in globalization and the impact of IT on globalization. Likewise, a website on Globalization 101 examined the impact of IT and globalization in three critical areas, to wit: industrial structure and jobs; workforce; and financial markets . Globalization of IT therefore focuses on the factors that transformed technology and business through “speeding Up of flows of capital, people, goods, images and ideas across the globe” ; intensified access and links of information, communication, and technological applications; integration and interdependencies of influences on macro environmental factors; among others.
Historical Overview
The developments in the 1990s were identified to have provided the impetus for vast technological advancements. As emphasized, “IT is a driving factor in the process of globalization. Improvements in the early 1990s in computer hardware, software, and telecommunications greatly increased people’s ability to access information and economic potential” (The Levin Institute: Information Technolgy par. 3). More importantly, the same discourse emphasized that “globalization accelerates the change of technology” (The Levin Institute: Information Technology par. 8). From these statements, it is therefore evidently clear that IT is the significant force that made it possible for globalization to be facilitated at an unprecendented pace. The information on the historical evolution of technology until current times are summed as follows: (1) the Internet was developed originating16 years ago; (2) the first mobile with effective connectivity in the Internet happened about 15 years ago; (3) the emergence of Google as the dominant search engine originated about 13 years ago; (4) launching of the Blackberry was noted 10 years ago; (5) Facebook revolutionized social networking about 7 years ago; (8) another famous social networking site, Twitter was launched 5 years ago; (9) the introduction of smart phones and iPhone happened about 4 years ago; (10) and the introduction of Groupon about three years ago (The Levin Institute: IT).
Current Trends
Just last year, it was disclosed that “17 million smart tablets sold — estimated that 100 + million by 2014; and every 60 seconds (so it seems): new applications are being tailored to users’ specific needs” (The Levin Institute: IT par. 8). The impact of IT in businesses have been emphasized in terms of increasing efficiencies and expertise which enable driving down costs and creating greater access to wider clientele across different geographical locations. These have likewise created more job opportunities in the field of IT through a global sphere: “the transformation of the technology sector in the U.S. market resulted in need for software developers, computer and information systems managers, and computer systems analysts. New jobs such as these are commodities in the globalized world of technology, especially for companies recruiting individuals from technologically advanced countries” (The Levin Institute: IT par. 11). The structures of jobs were noted to have shifted from traditional mediums to online or electronic sites to be able to capture increasing competencies and skills requirements from across the globe. As such, there were evident sectors, jobs, industries and employment positions that were rendered passé and new requirements that stemmed from globalization of IT emerged. For instance, “the automation of assembly lines has reduced jobs in manufacturing, for example, but it has created new jobs in robotics technology and computer engineering” (The Levin Institute: The Impact of IT: Workforce par. 7). Globalization has increased access to magnanimous volumes of information across boundaries and time and enabled IT to tap opportunities of the increasing markets and the development of strategies that would apply on wider clienteles across cultural orientations.
As emphasized, “one of the most beneficial aspects of globalization for businesses is that companies can now take skills and knowledge from across the globe and widen their horizon
which leads to increased collaboration and breakthrough innovations” . Other beneficial impacts include: lowering costs; increasing efficiencies; empowering the consumers; leveling the business field to small and large organizations, alike; anticipation for more competitive pressures; making use of contemporary discoveries in IT towards the advantages of the organization and its various stakeholders.
Future Trends
Future trends in globalization of IT include enabling “deliver services not only to remote devices, but in wearable, implantable, and even human augmentation; conjoining with others with capabilities such as telepathic communication, mind melding collaboration” ; to name a few. As global organizations have realized the extent of competition and fast changes in strategies necessitated by frequent updates in IT applications, future trends most require assuming a vigilant and pro-active stance to enable the adaption, adjustment, and immediate action even prior to a potential emergence of another IT discovery.
Works Cited
Blumenthal, Andy. "Technology Forecast 2013." 16 August 2012. The Total CIO. 17 February 2013
Lawlor, Benjamin R. "The Age of Globalization: Impact of Information Technology on Global Business Strategies." April 2007. digitalcommons.bryant.edu. 17 February 2013
The Levin Institute. "Information Technology." 2013. Globalization 101. 17 February 2013
—. "The Impact of Information Technology." 2013. Globalization 101. 17 February 2013
