Information Systems vs Information Technology
Information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) are two fields of study that are often confused due to overlapping course topics. Despite their similarities, there are key differences that can help students choose the most suitable career path.
Key Takeaways
- Information systems is a broad field that focuses on creating, modifying, storing, and distributing information, whereas information technology is a subset of information systems that deals with the technology aspect, such as hardware, servers, operating systems, and software.
- Information systems involves the design of systems that include people, machines, processes, and technology, while information technology focuses on managing technology for the betterment of business.
- Both information systems and information technology are parts of a broader computer science, but they are not necessarily two separate fields of study.
In today’s modern age of computers and the internet, IT has become increasingly popular due to the higher number of job openings. Many people confuse IS and IT because they assume that systems only refer to computer systems. However, information systems is a much broader field that has existed even before the advent of computers.
Information technology can be seen as a subset of information systems, focusing on the technology aspect of any given system. This includes hardware, servers, operating systems, and software. A system is a combination of people, machines, processes, and technology, with IT being just one part of the system. Since a part can never be identical to the whole, information systems will never be identical to information technology. Designing a system requires more than just technology, as it also involves people and processes.
In essence, information systems bridge the gap between business and the ever-growing field of computers. On the other hand, information technology is all about managing technology and utilizing it for the betterment of business.
In summary, although information technology and information systems are part of a broader computer science field, they are not necessarily two separate fields of study. Information systems focus on the system making use of technology, while information technology centers on the technology itself and how it can help disseminate information.
