Introduction

What comes to mind when you think about information systems? In what ways do you think they affect your life? You might be surprised to find out that information systems have an impact on your life and career whether you realize it or not.

In general, an information system is a set of components that helps gather, analyze, maintain, and distribute data. The components of information systems include people, the system’s hardware and software, networks, data, and the procedures used to process the data and maintain the system.

The fields of information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) overlap, and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. However, the sole focus of the field of IT is technology, meaning the processes necessary to establish and maintain computer systems, networks, and applications. Although the field of IS is concerned with technology, the focus is broader to include the people who are part of system processes. It is a vital tool used by all types of organizations to conduct business and participate in the marketplace, whether local or global.

To put this in perspective, consider the village of Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. The village has limited resources, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents’ access to health care was even more limited. To improve the health of the vulnerable geriatric population and protect them from the disease, researchers created a mobile phone app for symptom reporting, telehealth, and assessments. Approximately 60 percent of the geriatric population used the app, and the mobile health project thereby allowed for improved health care for the community.¹ This is information systems in action, using technology and information to help address concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic.