Information systems for e‐business continuance: a systems approach

In today's e‐business, system downtime is an unacceptable option since each hour, even minute of downtime may generate negative financial effects. In order to stay competitive, e‐business must be continuous from a data availability perspective and agile with regard to data access. Therefore, there is a need for an information system which can support such a kind of business which will have high availability ratios. This study seeks to address this issue.

A systems approach has been used. Methodological framework is based on a MS/OR‐based definition of a system given by C.W. Churchman.

The paper presents a framework for the development of an e‐business‐oriented information system from business continuance perspective. It identifies high system availability and agile data access as two critical attributes in designing information systems for e‐business. In addition, it identifies two sets of information technologies (business continuity and business agility drivers) that are crucial in developing such information systems.

The presented framework can be used while selecting an appropriate operating platform in order to achieve higher levels of continuous computing.

Systems approach as defined by C.W. Churchman has been applied in the field of information systems for e‐business continuance.