INTRODUCTION
The Global Industry Classification Standard® (GICS®) assigns companies to a single classification at the sub-industry level according to their principal business activity using quantitative and qualitative factors, including revenues, earnings and market perception. The sub-industry is the most specific level of the four-tiered, hierarchical industry classification system that includes 11 sectors, 24 industry groups, 69 industries and 158 sub-industries. The classification standard is in constant evolution to ensure that it reflects the current state of industries globally.
The Information Technology sector includes companies primarily engaged in:
- Providing services related to the sector (such as information technology, systems integration, electronic data processing and business process outsourcing services);
- Providing infrastructure and services for the internet industry;
- Producing and developing software for specialized applications for business or consumer markets (excluding companies in the interactive home entertainment sub-industry);
- Manufacturing communication and electronic equipment, cellphones, computers, peripherals, servers, electronic computer components, electronic components and instruments;
- Distributing technology hardware and equipment; or
- Manufacturing semiconductors, semiconductor equipment and related products.
