---
title: "IS architecture and types"
subject: "Information System"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_8/information_system:is-architecture-types"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/is-architecture-types
site: BCT Engineering
---

# IS architecture and types

Information System · Chapter 1: Information Systems

- Asked in: 2073 Magh, 3+3 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/is-architecture-types
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/information_system/chapter-1

## Question

Explain Information System Architecture. List different types of Information System.

## Short answer

Information system architecture is a blueprint that structures data, applications, technology and people into layers like presentation, business logic and data. Types include TPS, OAS, KWS, MIS, DSS, ESS, expert systems, and enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM and SCM.

## Answer

#### Information System Architecture
**Information system architecture** is the blueprint that describes how the components of an IS (data, applications, technology, network and people) are structured, how they relate and how they fit the business needs. It guides design, integration and growth of the system.

Main views:
- **Business architecture** - processes, functions, organization units.
- **Data architecture** - data models, databases, data flow.
- **Application architecture** - software modules and their interfaces.
- **Technology architecture** - hardware, network, platforms, security.

```text
 Users / Presentation layer
          |
 Application / Business logic layer
          |
 Data layer (DBMS, warehouse)
          |
 Network + Hardware + Security
```

Common architecture styles: centralized (mainframe), client-server, two-tier / three-tier / n-tier, web-based, distributed, and service-oriented (SOA) or cloud.

#### Types of Information Systems
1. Transaction Processing System (TPS)
2. Office Automation System (OAS)
3. Knowledge Work System (KWS)
4. Management Information System (MIS)
5. Decision Support System (DSS)
6. Executive Support System (ESS)
7. Expert System / Knowledge-based System
8. Enterprise systems: ERP, CRM, SCM
9. Geographic Information System (GIS)

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is information system architecture?
   A. A list of employees in the IT department
   B. A blueprint of how IS components are structured, relate and fit business needs
   C. The building where servers are placed
   D. A single database design only
   Answer: B. It guides design, integration and growth of the system. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which view describes software modules and their interfaces?
   A. Application architecture
   B. Business architecture
   C. Data architecture
   D. Technology architecture
   Answer: A. Application architecture covers modules and interfaces; data covers models, technology covers hardware and network. (Key point: Architecture views)

3. In the layered architecture, which layer sits between presentation and data?
   A. Network layer
   B. Hardware layer
   C. Application / business logic layer
   D. Security layer
   Answer: C. Users/presentation, then application/business logic, then data, then network and hardware. (Key point: Layers)

4. Which is listed among types of information systems?
   A. Personal Hobby System
   B. Hardware Control Language
   C. Network Cable System
   D. Geographic Information System
   Answer: D. GIS is in the list with TPS, OAS, KWS, MIS, DSS, ESS, expert and enterprise systems. (Key point: Types of IS)

## Related in Information System

- [Strategic information system and benefits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Astrategic-is-benefits) — Information System, chapter 1, asked 2×
- [Geographic Information System](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Agis-characteristics-uses) — Information System, chapter 1
- [Short note: HR information system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Ashort-note-hris) — Information System, chapter 6
- [Enterprise systems architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Aenterprise-systems-architecture-motivation) — Information System, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Link analysis and search engine architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Alink-analysis-search-engine-architecture) — Information System, chapter 7
- [GFS vs HDFS architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Agfs-vs-hdfs) — Information System, chapter 8

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- [Google File System architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fbig_data_technologies%3Agfs-architecture) — Big Data Technologies, chapter 2, asked 2×