Information Systems

Introduction
 - copmanies use information as a weapon in the battle to increase productivity, deliver quality products and services, maintain customer loyalty and make sound decisions 
 - Information technology can mean the difference between success and failure

Information Technology
 - combination of hardware products and services that companies use to manage, access, communicate and share information

Systems Analysis and Design
 - step by step process fo developing high quality information systems
What Does a Systems Analyst Do?
 - plan, develop and maintain information systems
 - also manages IT projects, including tasks, resources, schedules and documentation

Information System Components
 - a system is a set or related components that produces specific results
 - 5 components are 
 Hardware -  the physical layer of the information system

 Software - the programs that are needed to accomplish the input, processing, output, storage, and control activities of information systems. Computer software is typically classified into two major types of programs: a) system software - Systems software are programs that manage the resources of the computer system and simplify applications programming.
b) application software - are programs that direct the performance of a particular use, or application, of computers to meet the information processing needs of end user

 Data - information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing. Raw data is a term used to describe data in its most basic digital format.

 Processes - a series of tasks that are completed in order to accomplish a goal. A business process, therefore, is a process that is focused on achieving a goal for a business. 

 People - people who are involved in the information system
  - Systems Analyst - The role of the systems analyst is to straddle the divide between identifying business needs and imagining a new or redesigned computer-based system to fulfill those needs
  - Programmer - generally attempt to fulfill the design specifications given to them by a systems analyst
  Computer Engineer - design the computing devices that we use every day
  Computer Operator - is the person who keeps the large computers running
  Database Administrators - is the person who manages the databases for an organization. This person creates and maintains databases that are used as part of applications or the data warehouse. The DBA also consults with systems analysts and programmers on projects that require access to or the creation of databases.
  Trainer, Help Desk, etc.

Business Trends in the 21st Century
 - Rapidly inceasing globalization
 - Technology integration for seamless information access
 - Rapid growth of cloud-based computing and services