ABSTRACT
Although they differ significantly and have important interrelationships, the terms information technology, information systems and digital technology are often used interchangeably as umbrella terms for computer- or software-related products and solutions. This chapter unpacks these terms, delineates the boundaries between them, explains how they interrelate and interact, and explains their importance. The hardware component of an information system includes all the physical components used by an organization for collecting, storing, organizing, transforming, and distributing data and information. The term information systems is often combined with other terms to refer to subsets of information systems or particular types of information systems. The chapter ends by explaining the important and growing role of hospitality and leisure managers in information systems and digital technology issues.
