Systems

System is a set of related components that is organised to perform a certain task (reference "Computer Tool For Information Age").Information System is a set of related components that process input data into output data that is organised, meaningful and useful.Communication System is a set of related components that allows a data transmission, for instance communication system in a computer allows it to transfer data to other computer. So, Information System deal with data process, whereas Communication System is system that controls the transmission of data.

In data processing, a collection of men, machines, and methods organized to accomplish a set of specific functions. (American National Standards Committee)

A computer on its own is of little value to anybody. To convert data into information, a complex relationship must be set up between the following:

• The people who use the computer. They may be the ones who write the software, enter the data or produce the required information (men)
• The computer (machines). This would include the input and output devices, the processor and storage devices.
• The software (methods). This would include the operating system of the computer and the specific software required to process the data into the required information.

Information Systems vs Management Information Systems vs Computer Systems

Management Information System (MIS) is a set of related components that manages computer resources and provides information for a business organisation.

Computer Information System (CIS) is a system that includes a computer as part of its components in which the computer resources are used to design, build and implement software solutions.

Both MIS and CIS are a part of business’s department that organises a computer resources of an organisation. Thus an Information System is a system that processes the computer resources.

Data can be stored in many forms, it can stored in form of files and it can be also stored in a computer. Computer based on information system is a computer that have a system to organise a set of data and stored them; it also allows data to accessed or exchanged through computer.

Centralised vs Distributed Information Systems

Centralised information system is a computer information system in which information is processed in one location. In centralised information system, all processing, hardware, and software is in one location as well.

Distributed information system is a computer information system, which data can be processed in a computer. Without necessarily needs connection to the central computer. So, the processing is decentralised with Computers and storage devices and access devices in dispersed location (Reference Computer Tool For Information Age), although a transmission of information occur between central computer as control station) and personal computer.

Open vs Closed Information Systems

Open information system is a system which allow information to be exchange between a general public without authorisation. Whereas for closed information system exchange of data is limited to an authorisation. Thus, open information system can be applied in Internet, where exchange of data is available for general public.

Closed information system usually used within an organisation, where data can be exchanged or data can be accessed by users that have access to computers within an organisation.

Mike Leishman