Information Technology
 

The information technology (IT) sector includes companies that produce software, hardware or semiconductor equipment, and companies that provide internet or related services.

The three major industry groups within the IT sector are software and services, technology hardware and equipment, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. These three industry groups are further divided into industries and sub-industries. Companies are aligned to a specific sub-industry that best describes their core or most profitable business.

In this guide, we’ll cover the various industries and sub-industries that make up the three major industry groups within the IT sector.

​

• Software and services

• Technology hardware and equipment

​

Software and services

The software and services industry group is made up of companies that provide internet services, as well as companies that provide software and IT services. Internet services include companies that provide online databases or interactive services, such as search engines or social networks. IT services includes companies that provide IT consulting or data processing services to other companies. Finally, software consists of any sort of software for business or consumer use, ranging from enterprise software and systems software to video games.

​

Technology hardware and equipment

Technology hardware and equipment is broken down into three industries: communications equipment; technology hardware, storage and peripherals; and electronic equipment, instruments and components.

Communications equipment includes routers, telephones and switchboards. Technology hardware, storage and peripherals includes computers, printers and cell phones. Electronic equipment, instruments and components includes companies that make equipment like barcode scanners, transformers and security systems, as well as companies that are distributors or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).