There is no generally accepted definition of information technology (IT) although this is an important issue in the management information systems (MIS) area. In an effort to address this issue, the evolution of IT is reviewed from a historical perspective. A historical review on IT suggests that its evolution be broken down into three stages in a systematic way. Further, the identification of mainstream research interests at each stage makes a contribution in part to defining IT. Two approaches to defining IT are identified, and limitations of each approach are discussed. Finally, a better way to address these limitations is suggested.