Just what is information system?

        Information system is basically an integrated set of elements for processing, storing, and collecting data for offering digital products, knowledge, and information. Organizations and business firms depend on IS for carrying out and managing their operations, communicate with their suppliers and customers, and compete with others in the marketplace. Information systems are utilized for funning electronic markets and inter-organizational supply chains. For instance, organizations seem to utilize information systems for processing financial accounts, managing their HR or human resources, and reaching their potential consumers with virtual promotions.

Types of Information systems

TPS or Transaction Processing Systems

MRS or Management Reporting Systems

DSS or Decision Support Systems

ESS or Executive Information Systems

OIS or Office Information Systems

Basics of Information Systems (Components)

        The vital components of Information Systems include procedures, human resources, data warehouses and databases, telecommunications, and hardware and software.

Procedures and human resources

        Every other information system requires qualified people. Computer operators, security specialists, programmers, database administrators, designers, and system analysts are included in technical personnel. Additionally, every worker in a company should be trained properly for utilizing the abilities of an information system.

        It can be said that procedures for maintaining, operating, and using information systems are actually a part of their documentation. For instance, when procedures must be developed for running a program of payroll, including when they should be executed, who is authorized for running it, and who can access the output.

Data warehouses and databases

        A variety of information systems are initially delivery vehicles for the data that is stored in databases. A database is actually a collection of data organized which is interrelated so that the records of users can be retrieved for satisfying several criteria. Databases seem to support the management and operational functions of an organization.

        Data warehouses include archival data which is collected gradually which can be mined for the marketing and development of new products, and serve the customers better.

Telecommunications

        Telecommunications are actually used for connecting, or networking, portable and computer systems for transmitting information. In order to develop connections, wireless and wired media are used. Fibre optic and coaxial cable are included in wired technologies. Meanwhile, wireless technologies are based predominantly on radio waves and microwaves. Pervasive information systems have emerged with the embedding of computing device in different physical objects. Wireless sensor networks which are combined into the internet can play an important role in producing huge amount of data to be used in increasing productivity.

Hardware and software

        At present even the tiniest organizations along with households seem to own or lease computers. People might own many computers in the form of wearable devices, tablets, and smartphones. Together with peripheral devices, like solid-state or magnetic storage devices, telecommunications gear, and output-input devices, these comprise the hardware of information systems.

        Computer software generally is classified into two classes: application software and system software. Operating system is the principal system software. Hardware, program and data files, and other resources of systems are managed by it while offering means for the user to handle the computer, normally, through a GUI or graphical user interface. Lastly, application software is a program designed for handling certain tasks for users.