TECHNOLOGY OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Introduction
 
The development of modern information system is a complex process.  It needs knowledge, know-how,
skills and technology in almost all the disciplines. The developer, the designer and the user must be
knowledgeable in their respective area of functions and responsibilities. As information systems are being
demanded for on-line real time usage in business management, its development requires through
understanding of the business and the manner in which it is executed. Further, different technologies,
other than the Information Technology, are used for providing input to the information systems. As the
business processes are getting automated, the information systems are undergoing cultural changes
making them more sensitive to the business needs. It demands flexibility in design and reliability in its
use.
 
In the seventies, the information systems were a stand-alone type outside the mainstream of the
business. In the eighties, the information systems were looked upon as a resource for information to
support the decision making. Still, its use was off-line and was largely dependent on the
user/manger/decision maker in the organization.  In the nineties, the information technology developed
multifold and the focus shifting from supply management to customer service management.  In short, the
nature, type and the quality of information system has undergone an overwhelming change.
 
The business management process has changed from function management to process management.
The organization culture also changed from centralized, bureaucratic, authority structure to work-group
culture where members of the work-groups were trained and empowered to make decisions.  This called
upon the information system availability at the workplace.