How is an information system defined?

An information system is best defined as a set of information resources organized for managing information. This encompasses not only hardware and software but also the data itself, the procedures for processing the data, and the people who use the system. The definition captures the comprehensive nature of an information system, which is fundamentally focused on aiding decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization within an organization.

The term reflects the integration of various components—all of which work together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information. With this perspective, it's clear that an information system is more than just processing hardware or data organization; it requires a cohesive interplay among all resources involved to effectively manage information.