This book discusses Business Information Systems. It covers the concepts and roles of business information systems, the components of business information systems, security and ethics in information systems, as well as cloud computing and emerging technologies in information systems.
An information system (IS) can generally be defined as a set of interrelated components that work together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision-making,
coordination, control, analysis, and visualization within an organization (Laudon & Laudon, 2016). When linked to a business context, a Business Information System (BIS) is the application of information systems to support a company’s business functions and operational processes. According to O’Brien and Marakas (2011), an IS is an organized combination of people, hardware, software, communication networks, and data resources that collect, transform, and disseminate information within an organization. This definition emphasizes that IS is not just about technology, but also involves human elements and integrated processes.