Global information system

Definition

There are a variety of definitions and understandings of a global information system (GIS, GLIS), such as

  • A global information system (GIS) is an information system which is developed and / or used in a global context.[1]
  • A global information system (GIS) is any information system which attempts to deliver the totality of measurable data worldwide within a defined context.

Common to this class of information systems is that the context is a global setting, either for its use or development process. This means that it highly relates to distributed systems / distributed computing where the distribution is global. The term also incorporates aspects of global software development and there outsourcing (when the outsourcing locations are globally distributed) and offshoring aspects. A specific aspect of global information systems is the case (domain) of global software development.[2] A main research aspect in this field concerns the coordination of and collaboration between virtual teams.[3][4] Further important aspects are the internationalization and language localization of system components.

Tasks in designing global information systems

Critical tasks in designing global information systems are

  • Process and system design: How are the processes between distributed actors organized, how are the systems distributed / integrated.
  • Technical architecture: What is the technical infrastructure enabling actors to collaborate?
  • Support mechanisms: How are actors in the process of communication, collaboration, and cooperation supported?

A variety of examples can be given. Basically every multi-lingual website can be seen as a global information system. However, mostly the term GLIS is used to refer to a specific system developed or used in a global context.

Examples

Specific examples are

More information / courses

References
  1. Pawlowski, J.M.: Globale Informationssysteme (Global Information Systems). In: Kurbel, K., Becker, J., Gronau, N., Sinz, E., Suhl, L. (Eds.): Online Lexikon Wirtschaftsinformatik Online Encyclopedia Business Information Systems, Oldenbourg, 2008.
  2. Sangwan, R., Bass, M., Mullick, N., Paulish, D.J., Kazmeier, J. (2006): Global Software Development Handbook, Auerback Publications, 2006. ISBN 0-8493-9384-1
  3. Carmel, E. (1999): Global Software Teams: Collaborating Across Borders and Time Zones (High Performance Cluster Computing) - ISBN 0-13-924218-X
  4. Garton, C., Wegryn, K. (2006): Managing Without Walls: Maximize Success with Virtual, Global, and Cross - Cultural Teams, MC Press, US, 2006.
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