ICT

1. Introduction to Information &
Communication Technologies
(ICT)
Comprehensive 80-slide presentation
— latest trends, components, scope,
and interactive elements.
Prepared with web-sourced, up-to-
date material.

2. Agenda
• 1. Introduction to ICT
• 2. Components of ICT (hardware, software, networks, storage, platforms)
• 3. Scope of ICT (education, business, governance, healthcare, media)
• 4. Emerging technologies & future trends
• 5. Case studies and interactive activities

3. What is ICT?
Key global facts (ITU 2024): ~5.5 billion internet users (~68% of world) in 2024; 2.6 billion people
remain offline.
Global data growth: projected ~181–200 zettabytes by end of 2025 (sources vary).
Implication: explosion of data requires scalable cloud, edge storage, and strong governance.
• Definition: ICT = technologies for storing, retrieving, processing and
communicating information.
• Includes devices (computers, phones), networks, software, and services.
Open ITU Facts & Figures (PDF)

4. Brief History of ICT
• From telegraph & telephone to internet and mobile networks.
• Convergence of communications and computing in late 20th century.

5. Why ICT Matters
• Drives economic development, education access, and social inclusion.
• Enables remote services, digital markets, and data-driven decisions.

6. Key ICT Concepts
Connectivity metrics: bandwidth (Mbps/Gbps), latency (ms), packet loss — critical for real-time
applications.
Storage options: local (SSD/HDD, NAS), cloud (object storage like S3), hybrid architectures for data
sovereignty.
Platform choices: IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS; consider shared-responsibility and compliance.
• Connectivity, bandwidth, latency, interoperability.
• Cloud vs. local storage, platforms, APIs, middleware.
Gartner Trends 2025 (Agentic AI & more)

7. ICT Ecosystem
• Users, devices, service providers, regulators, content creators.
• Interactions form digital value chains (devices → network → cloud → application).

8. Universal & Meaningful
Connectivity (UMC)
• Not just access: affordability, devices, digital skills, and safety.
• Policy objective in ITU's recent reports.

9. Global ICT Capacity Snapshot
Key global facts (ITU 2024): ~5.5 billion internet users (~68% of world) in 2024; 2.6 billion people
remain offline.
Global data growth: projected ~181–200 zettabytes by end of 2025 (sources vary).
Implication: explosion of data requires scalable cloud, edge storage, and strong governance.
• Explosive growth in storage and compute capacity over decades.
• Cloud and data centers are major infrastructure components today.
Open ITU Facts & Figures (PDF)

10. Common ICT Misconceptions
• ICT ≠ only the internet; includes legacy and analog systems.
• ‘More tech’ doesn't automatically yield better outcomes—effective integration
matters.

11. Hardware: Endpoints
• Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, IoT devices.
• Key specs: CPU, memory, storage, sensors.

12. Hardware: Servers & Data Centers
• On-prem servers vs. cloud instances.
• Cooling, power, rack density, and physical security.

13. Storage: Local vs Cloud
Hybrid storage: Tier hot/cold data; use object storage for large-scale analytics, block for VMs, file
for shared storage.
Edge use-case: process sensor data near source to reduce latency and bandwidth costs (industrial
IoT, smart cities).
• Local storage: disks, NAS, SAN.
• Cloud storage: object, block, file — scalability & managed services.
Big-data growth & projections

14. Networks: Fundamentals
• LAN, WAN, MAN, Internet; protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS.
• Key metrics: bandwidth, latency, jitter.

15. Networks: Wireless & Mobile
• Cellular (4G/5G), Wi Fi, LPWAN for IoT.
‑
• Coverage, spectrum, and mobility considerations.

16. Software: System Software
• OS, drivers, hypervisors, container runtimes.
• Role: resource management and hardware abstraction.

17. Software: Application Software
• End-user apps, enterprise software, web apps, mobile apps.
• SaaS model and subscription economics.

18. Platforms: Cloud Platforms
• IaaS, PaaS, SaaS — examples: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
• Shared responsibility model and managed services.

19. Platforms: Edge & Fog Computing
Hybrid storage: Tier hot/cold data; use object storage for large-scale analytics, block for VMs, file
for shared storage.
Edge use-case: process sensor data near source to reduce latency and bandwidth costs (industrial
IoT, smart cities).
• Processing closer to data sources reduces latency.
• Useful for real-time IoT/industry applications.
Big-data growth & projections

20. Middleware & APIs
• Integration layer: messaging, API gateways, ESBs.
• Enables interoperability across systems.

21. Security: Core Principles
• Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA).
• Identity, access control, encryption, monitoring.

22. Security: Cloud & Network Security
• Zero Trust, CASB, WAFs, VPNs, secure SD-WAN.
• Importance of governance and incident response.

23. Data: Databases & Warehouses
• Relational vs NoSQL; OLTP vs OLAP.
• Data lakes, lakehouses, and analytics pipelines.

24. Data Privacy & Compliance
• GDPR, local data protection laws, consent models.
• Privacy-by-design and data minimization.

25. DevOps & CI/CD
• Automation for development, testing, deployment.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and observability.

26. Virtualization & Containers
• VMs vs containers; Kubernetes orchestration.
• Benefits: density, portability, microservices.

27. Monitoring & Management
• AIOps, logging, metrics, dashboards, SLAs.
• Proactive maintenance and capacity planning.

28. Business Continuity & DR
• Backups, replication, failover, RTO/RPO planning.
• Hybrid cloud DR strategies.

29. Licensing & Open Source
• Commercial vs OSS — tradeoffs: cost, support, control.
• Open standards and community innovation.

30. Sustainability in ICT
• Energy-efficient hardware, green data centers, e-waste management.
• Emerging focus on energy-efficient computing.

31. ICT in Education: Overview
EdTech adoption: LMS (Moodle/Canvas), video conferencing, adaptive learning platforms;
measure outcomes (completion rates, engagement).
Digital inclusion challenges: device access, teacher training, local language content.
Interactive idea: QR code to a sample national LMS or MOOC for demo (link in notes).
• Digital classrooms, LMS, MOOCs, blended learning.
• UNESCO advocates integration for equity & quality.
NITB - Pakistan digital initiatives

32. EdTech Tools & Platforms
EdTech adoption: LMS (Moodle/Canvas), video conferencing, adaptive learning platforms;
measure outcomes (completion rates, engagement).
Digital inclusion challenges: device access, teacher training, local language content.
Interactive idea: QR code to a sample national LMS or MOOC for demo (link in notes).
• LMS (Moodle, Canvas), video conferencing, assessment tools.
• Adaptive learning, learning analytics.
NITB - Pakistan digital initiatives

33. Remote & Hybrid Learning Lessons
• Access gaps, teacher training, pedagogy integration.
• AI assistants & plagiarism concerns.

34. ICT in Business: Digital
Transformation
• Automation, e-commerce, CRM, ERP, data-driven decisions.
• Cloud enables scalability and cost models.

35. SMEs & ICT Adoption
• Affordability, SaaS tools, digital payments, online marketplaces.

36. ICT in Governance: E Government
‑
• Digital ID, public service portals, transparency tools.
• Improves service delivery and civic engagement.

37. Smart Cities & Urban ICT
• Sensor networks, traffic management, public safety analytics.
• Interoperability and privacy are key challenges.

38. ICT in Healthcare: eHealth &
Telemedicine
• Remote consultations, EHRs, health information exchange.
• WHO highlights digital health for wider access.

39. mHealth & Wearables
• Remote monitoring, fitness trackers, chronic disease management.
• Privacy and data security concerns.

40. Digital Media & Entertainment
• Streaming platforms, social media, content delivery networks (CDNs).
• Personalization and recommendation engines.

41. Financial Services & FinTech
• Digital payments, mobile banking, blockchain use cases.
• Regulatory frameworks and financial inclusion.

42. Agriculture & ICT
• Precision agriculture, sensors, market access platforms.
• Improves yields and supply chain transparency.

43. Supply Chain & Logistics
• Tracking, RFID, IoT-enabled visibility, demand forecasting.
• Resilience via diversified, digital supply chains.

44. Work & Collaboration
• Remote tools, virtual meetings, digital workflows.
• Cybersecurity and workforce training required.

45. Digital Inclusion Challenges
• Affordability, gender gap, rural connectivity.
• Policies must address devices, skills, and content.

46. Case Study: Education Deployment
• Example: national LMS rollout highlights: training & support crucial.

47. Case Study: Healthcare
Telemedicine
• Example: telehealth in rural areas increased access during crises.

48. Measuring Impact
• Key metrics: access, learning outcomes, productivity, cost savings.

49. Risks & Ethical Considerations
• Bias in AI, surveillance risks, misinformation.
• Policy and governance frameworks needed.

50. Policy & Digital Governance
• Standards, cybersecurity laws, national broadband plans.
• Public-private partnerships accelerate deployment.

51. Digital Skills & Workforce
• Reskilling, digital literacy programs, STEM education.
• Critical to sustain ICT benefits.

52. Funding Models & Investments
• Public funding, donor programs, venture capital for startups.

53. Interoperability & Open Standards
• APIs, data formats, and protocols enable integration.

54. Emerging Business Models
• Subscription, pay-per-use, platform-as-a-service, marketplaces.

55. Summary: Scope Wrap-up
• ICT touches nearly every sector; integration, governance, and skills are central.

56. AI & Machine Learning
Agentic AI: Autonomous agents that can plan and act — Gartner highlights big potential but
immature maturity; many projects may be scrapped by 2027.
Practical uses: automation of workflows, AI-assistants, intelligent search and recommendation
systems.
Risks: governance, safety, cost, and model explainability are key concerns.
• Generative AI, predictive analytics, automation.
• Agentic AI: autonomous agents performing tasks.
Reuters: Agentic AI risks & outlook

57. Agentic AI: Opportunities & Risks
Agentic AI: Autonomous agents that can plan and act — Gartner highlights big potential but
immature maturity; many projects may be scrapped by 2027.
Practical uses: automation of workflows, AI-assistants, intelligent search and recommendation
systems.
Risks: governance, safety, cost, and model explainability are key concerns.
• Can automate workflows but many projects may fail without clear ROI.
• Security and governance challenges noted in industry reports.
Reuters: Agentic AI risks & outlook

58. Spatial Computing & XR
• AR/VR for training, visualization, remote assistance.
• New interaction paradigms: spatial interfaces.

59. Post-Quantum Cryptography
• Preparing cryptography for quantum threats.
• Standardization efforts ongoing.

60. Edge, 5G & Connectivity
• Low-latency applications, IoT scale, enhanced mobile broadband.
• 5G private networks for enterprises.

61. Hybrid & Multi Cloud Strategies
‑
• Avoid vendor lock-in, optimize cost & performance.
• Cloud-native architectures and hybrid orchestration.

62. Energy-Efficient Computing
• Sustainable hardware, specialised AI chips, cooling tech.
• Emerging priority for data centers.

63. Polyfunctional Robots &
Automation
• Robots performing multiple tasks in factories & services.
• Combines AI, sensors, and advanced control.

64. Neurological Enhancement &
Brain Computer Interfaces
‑
• BCI research for accessibility and new interfaces.
• Early-stage but rapidly evolving.

65. Disinformation & Security
• Tools to detect and counter deepfakes & misinformation.
• Policy and technical defences required.

66. Hybrid Computing & Confidential
Computing
• Combines classical, cloud, and specialized accelerators.
• Confidential computing protects data in use.

67. Blockchain & Web3 (mature use
cases)
• Supply chain provenance, decentralized identity, tokenization.
• Many speculative projects; enterprise pilots ongoing.

68. IoT Evolution
• Smart sensors, connected infrastructure, digital twins.
• Interoperability and lifecycle management challenges.

69. Human-Centered AI & Governance
• AI fairness, explainability, human-in-the-loop models.
• Platforms for AI governance emerging.

70. Cybersecurity Trends
• AI-powered defenses, zero trust, identity-first security.
• Automation in SOCs and threat hunting.

71. Data Fabric & Lakehouse
Architectures
• Unified data management across environments for analytics.

72. Autonomous Systems & Vehicles
• Progress in autonomy for logistics, agriculture, and transport.

73. Sensing & Imaging Advances
• Higher-resolution sensors, LIDAR, multispectral imaging.

74. Skill & Job Shift Forecasts
• Demand for AI, cloud, cybersecurity skills rising.
• Reskilling essential to manage transition.

75. Preparing for the Future
• Governance, standards, workforce, and sustainability are critical enablers.

76. Top Recommendations for
Organizations
• Adopt cloud-native & secure-by-design practices.
• Invest in skills, governance, and measurable pilots.

77. Interactive Slide: Quiz (Answers in
Notes)
• Q1: Name three core components of ICT.
• Q2: What is agentic AI?

78. Interactive Slide: Workshop Activity
• Design a small ICT deployment for a rural school (groups).
• Identify devices, connectivity, software, training needs.

79. Resources & Further Reading
• ITU ICT Development Index, UNESCO digital learning resources.
• Gartner tech trends, recent industry reports.

80. Thank You / Q&A
• Contact info and next steps.
• Invite feedback and suggest hands-on lab or demo.

81. Digital Pakistan: Overview (2024–
2025)
Government vision to grow the digital economy, expand broadband, and promote e-governance.
Key actors: Ministry of IT & Telecom, NITB, provincial initiatives and public-private partnerships.
Considerations: digital skills, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and regional connectivity.
NITB official website

82. Pakistan ICT Snapshot (selected
metrics)
Growing freelancing and startup ecosystem; IT exports and remittances rising (government
targets for 2025).
Infrastructure: fibre backbone expansion, mobile broadband growth, emergence of smart city
pilots.
Challenges: digital divide, capacity building, regulatory modernization.
Digital Pakistan Monitor (FNPk)

83. Interactive Images & Demos (click
links)
Agentic AI explainer video (YouTube) — demo agent workflows.
Cloud architecture animation — how hybrid cloud handles bursts.
Smart classroom video — blended learning in action.
Gartner Trends 2025
ITU Facts & Figures PDF