For the purposes of this strategy, we adopt the ABS (2005) definition of ICT as:
'The technologies and services that enable information to be accessed, stored, processed, transformed, manipulated and disseminated, including the transmission or communication of voice, image and data over a variety of transmission media. ICT incorporates:
- Software, Hardware, Data, Communications and E-Business
by:
- Users and producers;
- Maintenance and technical support;
- Research, design and development; and
- Training, sales and vendor support.
in large, medium, small, public and private organisations'
These definitions are fluid in the context of a 25 year strategy for ICT. Already the definition is limited because of convergence of traditional technologies and digital technologies, for example, in film, media and photography and in the application of virtual reality in surgical procedures. Also adding to the ambiguity of ICT is the pervasiveness and ubiquity of ICT devices whereby computer controlled processors are key components of many other products. Finally, the integration of 'business processes' into traditional ICT firms like IBM which now generates only 50 percent of its worldwide revenues from hardware and software, leads to a decline in traditional ICT employment.
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