An information system (IP) is any organized system for collecting, storing and transmitting information. In more depth, this is the creation of additional sources that people use to obtain, filter and disseminate data. 
The definition of "information systems" is associated with computer technology. In other words, this is a kind of complex that implies the work of people and computers, as a result of which information is processed or interpreted. This term is sometimes used in a more limited sense - to refer to the software needed to run a computer database, or as a definition of a computer component.
But the emphasis is usually placed on information systems, the definition of which includes the final surface layer - users, processors, inputs, outputs and the aforementioned communication networks. Any specific IP is aimed at supporting operations, management and decision making.
The definition of an information system can also be reduced to the fact that it is information and communication technologies (ICT) that are used by various organizations, as well as the way people interact with these technologies in support of business processes. Some researchers make a clear distinction between information and computer systems and business processes. IPs typically include a computer component, but are not directly related to them. 
Information systems, the definition of which we will discuss later in the article, differ from business processes in that they only help control the effectiveness of the latter.
Some scholars have argued for the benefits of IP as a special type of workflow. However, it is a system in which people or machines perform certain functions and actions, using resources to produce specific products or services for customers. At the same time, an information system is, as already mentioned, an intellectual complex whose activity is devoted to the collection, transmission, storage, retrieval, processing and display of information.
Information system - what is it?
Thus, IP are closely related to data transmission systems on the one hand and workflow on the other. They are a form of interconnection in which data is presented and processed as a form of social memory. The information system (the basic concepts, definitions associated with it, we consider in the article) can also appear as a semi-official language that supports the creation of a human decision and action. It is the main focus of research for organizational informatics.
Basic concepts, definitions, classification of information systems
There are various types of IPs, for example:
- transaction processing;
- decision support;
- knowledge or learning management;
- database management.
Of crucial importance for most information systems are information technologies, designed, as a rule, to perform tasks for which the human brain is not very suitable. For example, processing large volumes of information, performing complex calculations and managing multiple simultaneous processes.
Information technology is a very important and malleable resource available to managers. Many companies today are introducing the position of chief employee on these issues. Technical Director may also play this role.
Equipment
The definition of "the essence of the information system" implies the presence of six components that must be combined to create it. And the first one is equipment.
This term refers to technology. And it implies the computer itself, which is often referred to as a central processing unit (CPU), and all related equipment to support operation. Among the auxiliary equipment necessary for the creation of IP, mention may be made of input and output devices, data storage and communication facilities.
Software
The next component is software. This term refers to computer programs and manuals (if any) that support them. There are computer applications, machine-readable instructions that direct the electrical circuit inside the hardware of the system and make it function in such a way as to produce useful information from the received data.
Programs are usually stored on some machines, sometimes on removable media.
Data
Another component is data - facts that are used by programs to obtain useful information. Like programs, data is usually stored in machine-readable form on a disk or other drive until the computer needs them.
The definition of the concept of “information systems” is not possible without taking into account the presence of facts that are processed and systematized.
Procedures
Another component that defines the essence of the described definition is procedures. The term refers to a policy that governs the operation of a computer system. These may be certain requirements and rules, on the basis of which IP functions and develops.
People
Every system also needs people if it should be useful. Moreover, often the most significant element is precisely people. And, probably, this is the component that most influences the success or failure in the creation of information systems. This item includes not only users, but also those who work and maintain computers, support data and networks, etc.
Feedback
Another component of IP is feedback (although it is not necessary for functioning).
As already noted, data is a kind of bridge between hardware and people. This means that the information we collect is only fragmented information until it is systematized. At this stage, the data becomes information and falls into the definition of an information system.
The use of information systems directly depends on their types.
Pyramid
Thus, the classical form of IP is often described in various textbooks. In the 80s it was presented in the form of a pyramid, which reflected the hierarchy of the organization.
As a rule, transaction processing systems were located at the bottom of the pyramid, a little higher was the management of information systems that make decisions to support the system, and the model ended with executive IPs at the top.
This model of the pyramid remains useful today, since it first formulated a number of new technologies, but some of its components may not be relevant, although they fall under modern information systems, the definition of which we are trying to formulate. Examples of such IPs may be as follows:
- Data Warehouses
- enterprise resource planning schemes;
- expert;
- search engines;
- geographic information;
- global information system;
- office automation.
Computer ICs
A computer information system is created using computer technology to perform some or all of the planned tasks. Its main components are:
- Hardware that includes a monitor, processor, printer, and keyboard that work together to receive, process, display data and information.
- Software - programs that allow hardware to process data.
- Databases that are a repository of related files or tables containing relevant data.
- Networks, which are a connecting system that allows a variety of computers to allocate resources.
- Procedures, which are a set of commands designed to combine the above components in order to process information.
Information systems, the definition of which is presented in the article, include the first four components (hardware, software, databases and networks) in one complex, which is known as the information technology platform.
IT workers can then use them to create IPs that monitor security measures, risks, and data management. These activities are known as information technology services.
Information Systems Development
Information technology departments in large organizations, as a rule, strongly influence the development, use and application of information technologies. A number of techniques and processes can be used to develop and use IP. Many developers now use such an engineering approach as the software life cycle (SDLC), which is a systematic procedure for developing an information system through the steps that occur in a certain sequence.
IP can be developed internally or externally. This agreement can be reached by outsourcing certain components or the whole system. Technologically realized environment for recording, storing and distributing language expressions, for drawing conclusions from such expressions - all this includes the concept of “information systems”.
Terms and definitions related to IP are quite complex and do not have a narrow focus, so they can be used in almost any field. But there are specific areas of their application.
Geographic Information Systems: Definition
Examples of a narrower classification are geographic information systems (GIS) and Earth information systems. They allow the collection, storage and analysis and graphical visualization of spatial data. Their development is carried out in several stages, which include:
- Recognition problems and specifications.
- Collection of information.
- Specification requirements for the new system.
- System design.
- System architecture.
- Implementation.
- Overview and maintenance.
Academic discipline
The research field of the concept of IP covers various topics, including system analysis and design, computer networks, information security, database management and decision support systems.
The definition of "classification of information systems" currently does not have a single interpretation. It involves some data management operations, with practical and theoretical solutions to the problems of their collection and analysis. Depending on the field of activity, it can be means of increasing the productivity of business applications, programming and implementation of software, e-commerce, the use of electronic media, data mining and decision support.
Information systems (the definition of this concept was given earlier), serve to combine economics and computer science.They are a field for studying computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, software and hardware projects, methods of application, as well as their impact on society. Many modern scientists discussed the nature and foundations of information systems, which have their roots in other reference disciplines - for example, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, management, cybernetics, etc.
IP can also be defined as a combination of hardware, software, data, people, and procedures that work together to produce quality information. They are directly related to information technology, computer science and business. The study of theory and practice related to social and technological phenomena that determine their development, use and impact on human life is the area of interest of those who study information systems.
The definition to which the article was devoted is also used to describe the organizational function that applies this knowledge in industry, government agencies, as well as for non-profit organizations. They often boil down to the interaction between algorithmic processes and technologies.
The field of IP study includes the study of theory and practice related to social and technological phenomena that determine the development, use and influence of information systems in an organization and society. In a broad sense, the term "information systems" means the scientific direction of the study, which considers the strategic, managerial and operational activities for participation in the collection, processing, storage, dissemination and use of information and related technologies in society and organizations.
The term “information systems” is also used to describe the organizational function that applies this knowledge in industry, government, and non-profit organizations. IP often comes down to the interaction between algorithmic processes and technologies. This interaction can occur within or outside organizational boundaries. An information system is a technology that various organizations use for their own purposes.
