Information Systems vs Information Technology

Introduction

It is often observed that term information system and information technology are used interchangeably. In a literal sense, information technology is a subset of information systems. Information systems consist of people, processes, machines and information technology. The great advancement in information systems is due to development in information technology and introduction of computers.

Information System

 

An information system can be defined as set of coordinated network of components, which act together towards producing, distributing and or processing information. An important characteristic of computer-based information systems information is precision, which may not apply to other types.
In any given organization information system can be classified based on the usage of the information. Therefore, information systems in business can be divided into operations support system and management support system.

Information Technology

Everyday knowingly or unknowingly, everyone is utilizing information technology. It has grown rapidly and covers many areas of our day to day life like movies, mobile phones, the internet, etc.
Information technology can be broadly defined as integration of computer with telecommunication equipment for storing, retrieving, manipulating and storage of data. According to Information Technology Association of America, information technology is defined as “the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems.”
Information technology greatly enhances the performance of economy; it provides edge in solving social issues as well as making information system affordable and user friendly.
Information technology has brought big change in our daily life be it education, life at home, work place, communication and even in function of government.

Comparison of Information System and Information Technology

 

Information system and information technology are similar in many ways but at the same time they are different. Following are some aspects about information system as well as information technology.

• Origin: Information systems have been in existence since pre-mechanical era in form of books, drawings, etc. However, the origin of information technology is mostly associated with invention of computers.
• Development: Information systems have undergone great deal of evolution, i.e. from manual record keeping to the current cloud storage system. Similarly, information technology is seeing constant changes with evermore faster processor and constantly shrinking size of storage devices.
• Business Application: Businesses have been using information systems for example in form of manual books of accounts to modern TALLY. The mode of communication has also gone under big change, for example, from a letter to email. Information technology has helped drive efficiency across organization with improved productivity and precision manufacturing.

Future of Information System and Information Technology

Information technology has shown exponential growth in the last decade, leading to more sophisticated information systems. Today’s information technology has tremendously improved quality of life. Modern medicine has benefited the most with better information system using the latest information technology.
Information systems have been known to mankind in one form or the other as a resource for decision making. However, with the advent of information technology information systems have become sophisticated, and their usage proliferated across all walks of life. Information technology has helped managed large amount of data into useful and valuable information.