CIMA E1 Syllabus E4. IT - Information Systems - Notes ^{1 / 7}

What is data?

Data is facts and figures in an unprocessed format.

What is information?

Information is data that has been processed in such a way that it has meaning to the person who receives it.

Information Systems (IS)

Information systems consider the processes, flow, use and capture of information by a business. 

They can be defined as the provision and management of information to support the running of the organisation.

• Prior to computerisation, business had information systems but they were slow and manual. 

  The modern business environment uses and produces much more information, therefore the importance of information systems to handle the information requirements of a business is a key element of overall business strategy.

Information Technology (IT)

IT is the supporting equipment (hardware) that provides the infrastructure to run the information systems. 

The IT function is responsible for planning, evaluating, installing, operating and maintaining the hardware, software, networks and data centres required by the organisation.