The terms Information Technology and Information Systems are often used interchangeably in conversation; however, the terms have very different meanings and purposes. Information Technology is defined as “the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems” (Management Study Guide, 2013). And Information Systems is defined as “set of coordinated network of components, which act together towards producing, distributing and or processing information” (Management Study Guide, 2013). Organizations have a need for both Information Technology and Information Systems to contribute to daily operations. Defining Information Technology and Information Systems helps to identity the differences between the two.
Comparison and contrast of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) is seen through the components, origin, development, and business application. Components of Information Systems include people, processes, machines and Information Technology; while components of Information Technology include computers and telecommunication equipment (Management Study Guide, 2013). In regards to the origin, Information Systems were created well before Information Technology and Information Technology is actually a sub-set of Information Systems. Both Information Technology and Information Systems have incurred rapid development from manual processing to cloud based storage for IS, to faster processors for IT (Management Study Guide, 2013). Lastly, business application of the usage of Information Systems and Information Technology have greatly increased in regard to accounting software applications related to IS and communication improvements related to IT.
Organizations have a need for effective Information Systems and Information Technology. Understanding the components and purposes of Information Systems and Information Technology will help the organization to better manage the complex components and purpose of each. Managing the Information Systems and Information Technology will help the organization operate more effectively.
References
Management Study Guide. (2013). Information Systems vs Information Technology. Retrieved July 12, 2015, from http://www.managementstudyguide.com/information-system-and-information-technology.htm
