operational technology (OT)

A category of computing and communication systems to manage, monitor, and control industrial operations with a focus on the physical devices and processes they use. OT computer systems are typically deployed in critical infrastructure industries such as power, water, and manufacturing, and are used to control the physical aspects of networked devices. For example, controlling valves, and regulating temperature, flow, and pressure. OT systems use technologies for hardware design and communications protocols that are unique from those used in informational technology (IT) environments.