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.
