Information Systems Infrastructure

Information Systems Infrastructure

ACC/340 Week Two

Information Systems Infrastructure

INTRODUCTION
Information technology (IT) has revolutionized the how business is conducted as well as having a profound effect on personal lives. IT is a very powerful agent of change. Companies taking advantage of technological advancements in the design and implementation of information systems are capturing important competitive advantages. Information systems help businesses become more efficient and more responsive to customer needs.
In order to take full advantage of the revolution in information technology, accounting professionals need an understanding of the capabilities and components comprising an information systems infrastructure. Information systems infrastructure components include computer hardware and software, networks, telecommunications and the Internet. Although they may not need to be technical experts, accountants need a basic understanding of information systems infrastructure for a number of reasons. First, accountants are system users. They need to know how to access and analyze data on their own without assistance from company IT staff. Additionally, accountants play a major role in systems development and the management of computer resources. They may oversee the purchase of the systems, supervise those who use them, and evaluate the use of hardware and software components. As auditors, accountants evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of accounting information systems on the basis of such criteria as the adequacy of internal controls and the usefulness of the overall system. Without an understanding of information technology infrastructure, it would be difficult for the accountant to assess systems effectively.

IT Terms and Basic Concepts
Information technology is a powerful agent of change, transforming the way business is conducted and the way companies operate. For business to harness the capabilities afforded by the IT revolution, they must first understand systems...

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