My Dad's Information Technology

Over Thanksgiving break, I asked my dad about the information technology he uses as an IT manager for IBM, because I figured his job depended a lot on technology. He works either from home or at a client site, not at a traditional office. Therefore, he has all he needs for his job on his laptop, which he brings with him to the client or at home. When I asked what the most important information technology he uses in his job, he right away said his laptop because without it, he wouldn’t be able to do his job. But then I asked more specifically what was so crucial about his laptop. He said one of the main things was the IBM messenger he uses to communicate with his team. Because the company is moving to a more online work environment (and less physical offices), this type of communication is really important. Rather than running to your boss’s office for a quick question, my dad’s team members just “ping” him (as my dad calls it). My dad said it isn’t very difficult to use – it’s like AIM or Instant Messaging, or even a simpler version of email. My dad said it makes him way more productive because you can get a quick response from someone. Whenever he is working, he needs to log into the messenger application, that way his co-workers know if he is working and if available to answer their message. My dad said it also made him enjoy his job more because he could communicate with his co-workers easier and quicker than email. He enjoys working from home but he misses the co-worker interactions that he used to have in the Chicago office so this helps to keep connected.