Information System: An information system can be defined as a set of the coordinated network of components, which act together towards producing, distributing and or processing information. An important characteristic of computer-based information systems information is precision, which may not apply to other types. So, the purpose of an information system is to turn raw data into useful information that can be used for decision making in an organization.
An Information System (IS) is the organized combination of people, hardware, software, communication network, data resources and policies and procedures that stores retrieve, transforms and disseminates information in an organization. Business firms and other organizations rely on information systems to carry out and manage their operations, interact with their customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace.
Typical Components of Information Systems
While information systems may differ in how they are used within an organization, they typically contain the following components:
- Hardware: Computer-based information systems use computer hardware, such as processors, monitors, keyboard and printers.
- Software: These are the programs used to organize, process and analyze data.
- Databases: Information systems work with data, organized into tables and files.
- Network: Different elements need to be connected to each other.
- Procedures: These describe how specific data are processed and analyzed in order to get the answers for which the information system is designed.
