Most people are familiar with information technology (IT), but not everyone understands the difference between information technology and operational technology (IT vs OT).
Information technology (IT) deals with information, whereas operational technology deals with physical devices.
Information technology combines the technologies for networking, enterprise data centres and cloud systems. Operational technology is the hardware and software that monitors and controls devices- devices that control the physical world.
We will be discussing more on the differences between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).
What Is Information Technology (IT)?
Information technology (IT) refers to the use of computers, software, networks, and other digital tools to transmit and manage data- it’s the data processing systems that serve as the repositories to secure the information of an organization.
IT systems are defined by their programmable capabilities and they also serve as repositories and processors of data.
Information technology usually deals with computers and other endpoint devices such as smartphones, IoT devices, tablets, and servers. IT also includes hardware such as network equipment, computers, servers, and software like applications and operating systems.
Information technology is very important, especially for companies to secure all their data, identify and mitigate any potential risk.
IT experts handle tasks such as database management, software development, and networking administration.
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What Is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational technology systems monitor processes, events, and physical devices. OT systems include control (CNC) machining systems and industrial control systems like supervisory control and data acquisition.
Operational technology (OT) systems include a wide range of technologies such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, industrial control systems (ICS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors.
The aim of this system is to improve operational efficiency and ensure safety.
OT is a category of computing system that processes operational data like technical components, computers, and telecommunication. Operational technology is used to monitor devices.
IT vs OT: Key Differences between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)
Information technology is the technology that secures important data of any organization. IT is necessary for managing, monitoring, and securing core functions of an organization- such as finance, human resources, email, and other important applications in the data cloud and centre.
Operational technology (OT) is typically for monitoring, securing, connecting, and managing an organization’s industrial operations.
Enterprises that engage in mining, manufacturing, utilities, transportation, oil and gas, mainly rely on operational technology. Examples of operational technology include industrial control systems (ICS), computer numerical control (CNC), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and robots.
Also, OT can be found in warehouses as well as outdoor areas like highways and parking lots. Examples of such operational technology include connected buses, trains and service fleets, ATMs and kiosks, and weather stations.
Additionally, systems built for a city to manage chargers of electric vehicles are also an example of operational technology.
The main difference between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is that the former is centred on the organization’s front-end information activity, whereas the latter is centred on its back-end production.
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IT vs OT: More Differences between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)
Let’s look at the five core differences between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).
Scope and Focus
IT systems are defined by their programmable capabilities and they also serve as repositories and processors of data. It’s a system that deals with digital systems, data management, software, and networks.
IT systems focus on information processing, better security for business operations, storage, communication, and data analysis.
In contrast, operational technology systems monitor processes, events, and physical devices. They are systems that deal with physical processes and machinery used in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, energy, etc.
Security Concerns
Information technology security focuses on protecting digital assets, data, and networks from any type of cyber-attack.
Operational technology security focuses on protecting physical processes from any cyber threats.
Goals
Information technology is very important, especially for companies to secure all their data, identify and mitigate any potential risk. It aims to ensure data integrity and confidentiality and to ensure the flow of important data across the organization.
Operational technology on the other hand aims to optimize operational efficiency, manage physical processes, and reduce downtime.
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Network Characteristics
Information technology networks are generally standardized. It uses Ethernet, TCP/IP and other protocols for data communication.
Operational technology (OT) networks can use specialized protocols and technologies suitable for the requirement of industrial equipment and processes.
Lifecycles
Because of the rapid advancement in software and technology, information technology (IT) systems usually experience frequent updates and changes.
Operational technology (OT) typically has longer lifecycles, because of the need for stability. Upgrades in OT systems can be complex and properly handled to avoid disrupting essential processes.
IT vs OT: How Does Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)
Information technology and operational technology network infrastructure do have similar elements such as routers, wireless technology, and switches.
So, operational technology (OT) networks can benefit from the experience and rigour, that information technology has developed over time- with common network management and security control to build a reliable network foundation.
There are key differences to look at.
- Form factor: Operational technology (OT) network devices are usually in smaller and modularized form factors. They can easily be mounted in various ways such as light poles, rails, walls, or even embedded within other equipment.
- Network Interfaces: Operational technology (OT) devices may support networks like WiSun or LoraWAN to connect industrial IoT (IIoT) devices.
- Protocols: Lastly, operational technology (OT) network devices can connect IoT sensors as well as machines- machines that run communications protocols which are not often used in information technology (IT) networks. So, industrial networking products must support various protocols like Profinet, Modbus, and Common Industrial Protocol (CIP).
IT vs OT: What Are the Characteristics of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)?
Information technology (IT) devices can last for a period of three to five years. IT devices are relatively easy to maintain and they are replaceable. IT devices usually run on operating systems such as iOS, Windows, and Linux.
Operational technology (OT) devices typically have specialized software. OT devices usually have a much longer lifespan. These devices may operate for one week straight without failure.
Unlike information technology (IT) devices, OT devices and systems are not frequently updated.
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IT vs OT: Difference between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)
| Information Technology Network | Operational Technology Network |
| Informational technology (IT) network is business-oriented, which deals with information rather machines. | Operational technology (OT) network is industrial-oriented, so it mainly interacts with machines. |
| Different types of data in information technology (IT) networks include transactional, video, voice, and bulky data. | Different types of data in operational technology (OT) networks include monitoring, control, and supervisory data. |
| IT network is limited to individuals with certain privileges. | OT network typically works in real-time processing of data. |
| IT network works on transactional processing of data. | OT networks may have risk regarding information |
| IT network may have automatic risk | OT networks may have risks regarding information |
Conclusion
Information technology combines the technologies for networking, enterprise data centres and cloud systems. Operational technology is the hardware and software that monitors and controls devices- devices that control the physical world.
IT is necessary for managing, monitoring, and securing core functions of an organization- such as finance, human resources, email, and other important applications in the data cloud and centre.
Operational technology (OT) is typically for monitoring, securing, connecting, and managing an organization’s industrial operations.
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References
- EM360Tech: IT vs OT: What’s the Difference and Where do they Intersect?
- Tulip: IT vs. OT: The Difference Between Information Technology and Operational Technology
- Cisco: How Do OT and IT
- Coolfiresolutions: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IT AND OT?
- GeeksforGeeks: Difference between OT and IT networks
