Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) each play important roles in keeping businesses running smoothly. Traditionally they’re distinct disciplines, with different purposes and different sets of devices and tools. As technology has evolved and progressed, there has been increasing convergence between the two.
It’s a convergence that allows for an MSP like Smile IT to be involved in both IT and OT, particularly in our work with mining and industrial clients. Today we want to explore the similarities and differences between IT and OT, because doing so gives a greater understanding of what they entail and how they’re shaping the future.
The Key Difference Between IT and OT
The main difference lies in what IT and OT control and manage:
Information Technology (IT) primarily deals with the front-end operations of a business. It’s responsible for communications, emails, databases, cloud services and online presence, keeping a seamless flow of information going between team members and customers. Data is extremely important, and its availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data is prioritised.
Operational Technology (OT) is more to do with the back-end machinery and equipment of a business. It controls physical devices and processes in industry, manufacturing, energy supply and similar industries. You’ll also find it in warehouses and outdoor areas like parking lots, where it controls perimeter access. OT ensures that the machinery used in these operations runs seamlessly.
Difference Between IT and OT Devices
This is another visible distinction between the two technology fields. IT devices include computers, servers, smartphones, cloud infrastructure, and network devices. They’re off the shelf and replaceable, usually with a lifespan of 3-5 years. Employees make use of them to communicate and collaborate, and they’re typically connected to an internal corporate network as well as to the Internet, where they interact with data across different applications.
OT devices are more specialised than the more standardised IT devices. They encompass industrial equipment and purpose-built machinery like sensors, actuators, robotics and manufacturing systems. Responsible for operating machinery and controlling physical outcomes, they have a longer lifespan, often designed to last for decades while operating day in and day out.
While OT devices are usually interconnected on a closed-loop internal network, they’re increasingly interacting with broader IT networks and the Internet.
What Do IT and OT Teams Do?
An IT team, or managed service provider, manages the digital infrastructure of a business. Their daily tasks would include things like setting up networks, managing databases, keeping avenues of communication operational and handling cybersecurity activities. They keep downtime to a minimum, empowering employees with the right tools and data to get their jobs done.
OT teams on the other hand, manage physical and mechanical systems that keep industrial operations running. This could include implementing and maintaining control systems and sensors, and troubleshooting when problems arise. Reliability and safety are big concerns for teams in OT, who will be trained to understand complex industrial systems, industry-specific software and comprehensive safety regulations.
Different Uses of Data
There’s a difference in the type of data generated by each field, and in the way it’s used.
IT systems generate, process, and store huge amounts of data every day. Every customer interaction creates data, as does every transactional record and marketing activity. Internal communications, employee activity and corporate financials all create data too. The flow of it is fast moving and it needs to be easily and quickly accessed. The data can be used in analytics platforms like Power BI to improve decision-making and identify opportunities.
There’s a contrast in the data from OT systems. It’s generated by sensors, machines, and industrial processes in real-time, and often used to monitor and control the physical world. For example, it can determine whether a conveyor belt is running at the optimum speed, or if the temperature of a furnace is within the right range.
The quality of the data used in OT is crucial, because inaccuracies can lead to safety hazards or big operational disruptions.
IT and OT Security Threats
Security is important in both fields, although it differs in scope and nature.
IT security safeguards data and maintains the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets. Cybersecurity teams prevent breaches and mitigates attacks when they happen, keeping access to corporate systems secure through permissions and administrative privileges. Firewalls, patch management and antivirus protection are all part of keeping It networks and devices cyber secure.
OT security isn’t just about data protection, it’s also about minimising the potential for disruption of physical operations. It protects industrial control systems and physical assets and machinery.
There are similarities to IT security in the sense that a cyber attack can still destabilise an OT network and result in expensive downtime. As more OT systems are getting connected to IT networks, so the security risk has increased and there’s more of a need to integrate cyber security measures into OT management.
IT and IoT Convergence
We mentioned the convergence of IT and OT above. In recent years the Internet of Things (IoT) has further contributed to a blurry distinction the two fields. IoT devices—sensors, actuators, cameras, and similar smart technologies—are being integrated into both IT and OT systems, allowing for a flow of data between the physical machinery and digital networks.
The ability of industrial devices to communicate with broader IT networks and infrastructure has become a mainstay of modern industry. It’s led to improved efficiency, predictive maintenance and improved bottom lines. However, due to the increased surface area for attackers to exploit, cybersecurity teams are kept on their toes.
Get in Touch with Your IT and OT Questions
When you understand the differences in IT and OT and see the potential that can arise out of their convergence, it gives you an opportunity to get ahead in our interconnected world. If you want some guidance as to how to do that in your industry, get in touch with Smile IT. We have IT and OT teams serving a wide range of industries, from mining to healthcare and construction. We’d love to answer any questions you may have.
When he’s not writing tech articles or turning IT startups into established and consistent managed service providers, Peter Drummond can be found kitesurfing on the Gold Coast or hanging out with his family!