Operational Technology
Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices, processes, and infrastructure in industrial environments. It encompasses technologies like industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. OT focuses on real-time operations, safety, and reliability, often with legacy systems that have long lifecycles.
Developers should learn OT when working in industries like manufacturing, utilities, or critical infrastructure where they need to integrate IT systems with physical operations. It's essential for roles involving industrial automation, cybersecurity for critical systems, or IoT deployments in industrial settings, as OT knowledge helps bridge the gap between traditional IT and physical process control.