information system

Introduction
Components of information systems
- Computer hardware
- Computer software
- Telecommunications
- Databases and data warehouses
- Human resources and procedures
Types of information systems
- Operational support and enterprise systems
- Support of knowledge work
  - Professional support systems
  - Collaboration systems
  - Knowledge management systems
- Management support
  - Management reporting systems
  - Decision support systems and business intelligence
  - Executive information systems
Acquiring information systems and services
- Acquisition from external sources
- Internal information systems development
Managing information systems
- Information system infrastructure and architecture
- Organization of information services
Information systems security and control
- Information systems security
- Computer crime and abuse
- Information systems controls
- Securing information
- Information systems audit
Impacts of information systems
- Organizational impacts of information systems
- Information systems in the economy and society
- Information systems as a field of study

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

taking a driver's license test on a computer

A three-layered pyramid diagram showing the structure of organizational information systems: the base layer is operational support (supply chain management, customer relationship management, transaction processing systems), the middle layer is support of knowledge work (professional support systems, collaboration systems, knowledge management systems), and the top layer is management support (management reporting systems, decision support systems, executive information systems).

A circular flowchart illustrates the organizational information systems life cycle, with labeled arrows showing stages: feasibility study, system analysis, system design, programming and testing, installation, operation and maintenance, termination, and upgrade.

A three-column diagram outlines steps for securing information systems: identifying threats such as crime, human error, disasters, and failures; establishing general and application controls; and performing financial and operational audits.

Structure of an information system

Figure 6: The life cycle of an information system.

At a Glance

default image

information system summary

Related Questions

taking a driver's license test on a computer — taking a driver's license test on a computer A woman taking a driver's license test on a computer, an example of a government using an information system to provide services to citizens.

information system

computer science

Also known as: information retrieval system, information storage and retrieval system, information storage system(Show More)

Written by

Vladimir Zwass

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 9, 2026 •History

information system, an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products. 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. Information systems are used to run interorganizational supply chains and electronic markets. For instance, corporations use information systems to process financial accounts, to manage their human resources,...

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