Components of an Information System
Introduction
An information system is an integrated set of components, which serve the purpose of collecting, storing and processing data or the sake of providing information. Also the end result can also be either digital products or even knowledge. Most operations currently both in the business and education world relay on these information systems to carry out and even in the management of their operations (Bravo, Santana & Rodon, 2015). A good example is the corporations where information systems are used to manage the human resources and process all their financial processes.
It is recommendable to note that this system of information is made up of four major components. This components are inclusive of technology, hardware, software and finally data which is a key requirement altogether. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, it is part of the human life in several ways yet many tend to take it for granted. All the other components of the system, the software, hardware and data fall under technology (Bravo, Santana & Rodon, 2015). The hardware is also another component which is as important as the technology itself. It is the tangible part of the information system which includes the computer, the keyboard and others like the disk drivers.
The software is another component of the information system. This include s the set of instructions which directs the hardware on what to do. This is not tangible and is just a typed list of instructions which will be set to let the computer hardware know what it is expected to do (Raschke, Krishen & Kachroo, 2014). There are two types of software which are the application software like the Microsoft excel and the operating software an example of the Microsoft windows. Data is also another component of the information system, where data is collected to put into practice the other component of the system. Data is also intangible and is used by organizations to make decisions after considerations are made concerning the data in relation to the situation of the organization.
Conclusion
Generally it is true to say that these components of the information system are interdependent. One component depends on the functioning of the other so that the goal which is information to be realized. Therefore it is important to take are and ensure that when designing or installing an information each component is considered equally (Raschke, Krishen & Kachroo, 2014). Each one of them is as important as the other and has a key role to play. Also key to note is that people are as important as the components for the system to be complete and perfectly functioning.
References
Bravo, E. R., Santana, M., & Rodon, J. (2015). Information systems and performance: the role of technology, the task and the individual. Behaviour & Information Technology, 34(3), 247-260. doi:10.1080/0144929X.2014.934287
Raschke, R. L., Krishen, A. S., & Kachroo, P. (2014). Understanding the Components of Information Privacy Threats for Location-Based Services. Journal Of Information Systems, 28(1), 227-242. doi:10.2308/isys-50696
