NIS (Network Information System) is a network naming and administration system for smaller

networks that was developed by Sun Microsystems. NIS+ is a later version that provides
additional security and other facilities. Using NIS, each host client or server computer in the
system has knowledge about the entire system. A user at any host can get access to files or
applications on any host in the network with a single user identification and password. NIS is
similar to the Internet's domain name system (DNS) but somewhat simpler and designed for a
smaller network. It's intended for use on local area networks.
Networking consists of a group of computer systems and computer hardware that connect
together through different channels to facilitate sharing and receiving of data and information
 Telecom NIS typically consists of the physical network inventory and logical network
inventory. Physical network inventory is used to manage outside plant components, such
as cables, splices, ducts, trenches, nodes and inside plant components such as active and
passive devices. The most differentiating factor of telecom NIS from traditional GIS is
the capability of recording thread level connectivity. The logical network inventory is
used to manage the logical connections and circuits utilizing the logical connections.
Traditionally, the logical network inventory has been a separate product but in most
modern systems the functionality is built in the GIS serving both the functionality of the
physical network and logical network.
 Water network information system typically manages the water network components,
such as ducts, branches, valves, hydrants, reservoirs and pumping stations. Some systems
such as[4] include the water consumers as well as water meters and their readings in the
NIS. Sewage and stormwater components are typically included in the NIS. By adding
sensors as well as analysis and calculations based on the measured values the concept of
Smart water system is included in the NIS. By adding actuators into the network the
concept of SCADA can be included in the NIS.

 Private Cloud based NIS is gaining in functionality and popularity. As much of the
changes to the network are conducted on the field, this approach has significant benefits
compared to traditional GIS. The as-builts can be documented on site using mobile
connectivity to the NIS. Many of the products in this category, such as [7] by Keypro
offer easy to use web interface which requires no installations at the client workstation.