Components of an IS

The information system model proposed by James A O'Brien and George M Marakas which illustrates a fundamental conceptual framework for the important  components and activities of IS.

The model highlights the relationship between the components and activities of information systems. This framework emphasises four major concepts that can be applied to all the  types of information systems.

IT Resources

The five basic resources of information system are:

1. People: These include the end users and IS specialists. System operators, system developers and system analysts are some of the IS specialists. End users are any person who uses information systems. 
2. Hardware: This consists of machines, media, software resources, data resources, network resources, communication media and networks.
3. Software: These resources can be divided into two types. (1) programs  and (2) procedures. Programs can be  operating systems, word or spreadsheet programs, payroll programs etc. Procedures include data entry procedure, error correction procedure, paycheck distribution etc.
4. Data: These resources are stored as database or knowledge base in the organisation.
5. Networks:  The fundamental resource component of any information system are communication resource and networks.  Network resources include communication media and network infrastructure.