What is the difference between information systems and data processing systems?

Data Processing vs. Information Systems

Although Data Processing and Information Systems both refer to functions that take raw data and transform it into usable information, the usage of the terms is very different.

Data Processing is the term generally used to describe what was done by large mainframe computers from the late 1940's until the early 1980's (and which continues to be done in most large organizations to a greater or lesser extent even today): large volumes of raw transaction data fed into programs that update a master file, with fixed-format reports written to paper.

The term Information Systems refers to an expansion of this concept, where the raw data, previously copied manually from paper to punched cards, and later into data-entry terminals, is now fed into the system from a variety of sources, including ATMs, EFT, and direct customer entry through the Internet. The master file concept has been largely displaced by database management systems, and static reporting replaced or augmented by ad-hoc reporting and direct inquiry, including downloading of data by customers.

The ubiquity of the Internet and the Personal Computer have been the driving force in the transformation of Data Processing to the more global concept of Information Systems.

Improve Answer Discuss the question "What is the difference between information systems and data processing systems?" Watch Question

First answer by ID1202347044. Last edit by ID1202347044. Question popularity: 20 [recommend question]


Also see on Answers.com

Research your answer:

Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Business and Finance > What is the difference between information systems and data processing systems?

Our contributors said this page should be displayed for the questions below. (Where do these come from)
If any of these are not a genuine rephrasing of the question, please help out and edit these alternates.
Defination of information systems?  File processing systems advantages?  What is data processing information?  What are concepts in information systems?  What is the purpose of information systems?  What is the difference between Systems and IT?  What is the difference between the file systems?  What are the classification of data mining systems?  Are data and information processing cycles the same?  'What is difference between marketing information systems '?  How data processing systems differs from information systems?  How do transaction processing systems differ from other information systems?  What is the difference form a data processing systemand an information system?  Why are information systems important to the idea of an electronic market place?  What are the differences between information systems and data processing systems?