Composite Information Systems: A New Concept in Information Systems (Classic Reprint)

Integrating incompatible software for better decision making.

This exploration introduces the Composite Information System (CIS) concept, a facility designed to host diverse software and databases so they can be used together with minimal changes. The goal is to help policymakers and analysts solve complex problems more quickly by bringing together tools from different environments.

Through concepts and examples, the book explains how a CIS helps users focus on solving problems rather than managing computer details. It outlines types of incompatibilities—across data formats, data systems, execution environments, operating systems, and machines—and describes strategies to bridge these gaps. Real-world case studies illustrate how existing systems can be joined to support ad-hoc and extended analyses.

• Learn the idea of a CIS and why it matters for complex decision tasks.
• See how different tools and models can be hosted together for joint use.
• Understand the kinds of boundaries that can hinder integration and the approaches to overcome them.
• Explore actual system examples and the roles of interfaces, translators, and shared resources.

Ideal for readers seeking a practical view of how to connect separate software modules into a cohesive information system that supports rapid, informed decisions.

Note: This edition presents foundational concepts and representative system types without requiring prior technical expertise.