Computer Science, Information Technology and Information Systems

By Stephen Flynn

QHCusa.org -2013

Computer Science

Computer science as explained by Brookshear (2012) is the science of algorithms which can be thought of as a series of steps that can be performed over and over that yield a predictable outcome.  Discovering the steps of how some process works or is expressed and translating that into an automated efficient computational process is what computer science is about.  Using logic, mathematical analysis, and abstraction as well as modeling complex problems, computer scientist study, compare and design various algorithms to determine which ones can apply to a variety of real world problems and processes.  Once a feasible solution or pattern is determined to be computational, a combination of software and computer hardware can be designed and tested to validate the expression of the algorithm which can be applied to particular problem types.      

Information Technology

 While closely related to computer science, information technology is more focused on the hardware and practical software business applications that run on networked computers.  As defined by Oxford Dictionaries (“information technology,” 2012) information technology is, “the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.”  Many people work in this field in support of computer systems and service centers that end-users access.  Some of these services may be e-commerce, financial and portfolio accounts as well as educational resources made available to students.  

 In addition many businesses provide various services to their customers which are accessed through secure web-based portals and supported by information technology staff.  Furthermore, IT staff are involved with the planning, implementation and management of telecommunication and network assets and services that support the needs of many firms, which can include human resources, payroll, accounting, inventory control as well as business to business operations.

Information Systems

Like IT, information systems uses computers and networking equipment, however it is focused on gathering and processing data for organizational needs.  Reported by Encyclopedia Britannic (“information systems,” 2013), information systems is, “an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for delivering information knowledge, and digital products.”  Through the use of computer technology corporations and governments collect data about various aspects of their operations and societal behaviors.   

This data is then filtered with the use of algorithms to produce various reports that organizations can use to enhance operations.  Some uses of this data are targeted customer promotions, demographic reports, resource usage reports and sale patterns and trends.  In addition, pay-for digital services that provide databases for targeted populations, academic and business to name two, can be compiled, delivered and accessed over the Internet to meet organizational member needs and to increase the knowledge base of the particular firm’s members. 

References

Brookshear, G. J. (2012). Computer Science: An Overview. (11^th ed.). Boston, MA: Addison- Wesley.

Information systems. (2013). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/287895/information-syste.

Information technology. (2012). In Oxford Dictionaries Online. Retrieved January 13, 2013 from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/information%2Btechnology