Landmark moments in the history of the IT industry

IT professionals are indispensable in today’s technological world, responsible for the complex and foundational systems we rely on in our personal lives and at work. From software development to network administration, cybersecurity and data analysis, there are a variety of subfields that IT professionals can specialise in. Some of their common responsibilities include:

• Troubleshooting
• Network administration
• System administration
• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Database management
• Data analysis
• Project management

Charles Babbage, a brilliant English mathematician and inventor, is often seen as the father of modern computers. In the 19th century, Babbage conceptualised a mechanical device that could solve complex calculations. Though it wasn’t fully built in his lifetime, this device (which he called the ‘Analytical Engine’) laid the groundwork for modern computers.

Major advancements were to come later in history, especially during World War II, where computer development was facilitated by British scientists like the famous Alan Turing at the forefront. These scientists were desperately trying to decipher encrypted German messages that used the infamous Enigma code. To crack the Enigma code, Turing and his team designed and built early versions of the computers we know today. These computers used advanced algorithms to decrypt the German messages, which gave the Allies a massive advantage during the war.

While not the only innovators in the field, the combination of Babbage's ideas with Turing’s innovations largely ushered in the era of information technology.

Personal computers changed the way we live and work, offering entertainment at home and efficiency in the office. Before personal computers like the ones offered by Apple and Windows were available, computers were mostly used by large companies or government agencies, who alone had access to them.

The introduction of the IBM Personal Computer in 1981 was a landmark moment not only in the IT industry but society at large, because for the first time the power of computing was available to individuals and businesses.  Computing technology was now widely available and the IT landscape was revolutionised, with innovation fuelling its development. Individuals and organisations could now integrate computers more easily into their processes and personal lives, and at a lower cost. They also had the freedom to develop the technology to find new use cases and functions.

The invention of the internet is one of the greatest innovations in history, and without which the IT industry would not exist as it does today. The internet began as a governmental tool for researchers to share information. During the Cold War, researchers needed access to computers, which were scarce and which required long distance travel to access. The internet solved this problem, allowing remote access and information sharing.

Tim Berners-Lee's creation of the World Wide Web in 1989 ushered in the era of the internet as it is known today, enabling global connectivity and transforming how people access and share information. January 1, 1983, is considered the birthday of the internet - the day where the communications protocol Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP) was used as the standard protocol by the ARPANET (an experimental computer network and forerunner of the internet) and Defense Data Network.