The document defines and describes information systems. An information system is a formal, sociotechnical system designed to collect, process, store, and distribute information using four key components: tasks, people, organizational structure/roles, and technology. An information system integrates these components to collect, store, and process data that provides information to support decision making. Information systems are also academic fields of study about how people and organizations use computer hardware, software, and networks to manage data and information flows.