# Information systems, data and information

> Understand the difference between data and information, what an information system is, and why a value like 36 only means something once you know it is an age.

Author: [Flavio Copes](https://flaviocopes.com/about/) | Published: 2019-12-17 | Topics: [Database](https://flaviocopes.com/tags/database/) | Canonical: https://flaviocopes.com/data-information/

The modern world is completely centered around **information**.

Companies, big and small, generate a lot of value out of proper *information management*, and many times that's their core business.

Most companies could not exist without a proper management of the information they need to operate, in other words their *information system*.

## What is an information system?

An **information system** is the group of procedures and resources we use to gather, store, process and communicate the **information** needed in an organization.

## What is a computer information system?

A **computer information system** is the subset of the information system that **automates** information management using computers.

Inside the computer information system, information is stored as **data**.

## What's the difference between information and data?

**Data** is a singular unit of knowledge. It has no intrinsic value on its own. We can't extract meaning out of it, without knowing more about it.

**Information** is something that we can link to data, to be able to attach a meaning to it.

Let me make an example. The number 36 is *data*. Knowing that 36 is my age is *information*. Information that the data represents my age is essential knowledge that is key in an information system.