To understand the meaning behind the definition of “classification of information systems”, it is necessary to indicate which systems are in question. Some still remember the glorious 50s, when various accounting calculations (mainly on wages) were performed using calculating machines with the electromechanical principle of operation. Despite the fact that their performance is quite difficult to compare with modern electronic devices, nevertheless, the simplification of calculations and paper circulation were faster than with the traditional manual approach.
It is not surprising that in the 60s the advantages that made it possible to use such systems to optimize not only the issuance and calculation of salaries, but also in many other related areas of accounting became obvious. In the 70-80s, similar systems began to be used for managerial control. In the late 80s, thanks to the advent of high-speed electronic solutions, information systems began to be used by various organizations, regardless of type of activity. In fact, these systems made it possible to reduce labor costs, and, as a result, ultimately increase profits.
Types of information systems are studied in computer science. They are one of the areas of this science. Their name owes to the objects of research - decisions that can store, place and issue information. Additionally, the ability to search and enter new data. These decisions, as you might guess, are called information systems.
The existing classification of information systems includes a division by:
- level of informatization. Currently, the most common computer AIS (automated information systems). They take part at all stages of data processing. Accordingly, it is generally accepted that if work with information is carried out by the person himself (including auxiliary devices, for example, scores), then there is a person’s work with manual IP;
- method of use. The largest representatives of this type are analytical complexes. The same group includes IAS (information-analytical system), IPS (search engine), IRS (decision system). Often the boundary between the types is conditional, since information systems are capable of performing various functions;
- many people know the classification of information systems according to the architecture used. The simplest solution is a local information system (IS). A striking example is the work on one electronic device without the need for interaction with other ICs. More complex are IPs built on the principle of “client-server”. When using them, all network interactions are provided by a single server. And finally, distributed IPs are a multi-level network with several servers;
- classification of information systems according to the structure of the circle of tasks. Model ISs make it possible to establish two-way exchange of information with the model under study. Through the use of various approaches (financial, mathematical, and other models are implemented in IP), a number of alternative solutions are obtained. A special case - expert IP;
- scope of use. Distinguish management IP (implies a partial duplication of the tasks of the relevant personnel); IS technical management (automated process technology); scientific IP (research and experiments with processing results); educational IP (provide access to electronic information); integrated IP (combination of several functions).
The classification of information systems of personal data is carried out according to the above criteria, while there is an important difference from other IPs - the need to protect the processed information. This system is a combination of hardware and software designed to process personal data. It may be an automated solution.