Continuing in the tradition of the highly successful first three editions, Principles of Information Systems Fourth Edition brings to readers the cutting edge of technology, in a introductory framework that stresses the most current and common business applications of that technology. The title began with an idea--IS principles first, where they belong-- and over the years has come to represent the most effective path to understanding the components of an information system, how those components work together, how they are used in business settings, and why they are important to the advancement of business in general. As always, coverage of technological advances has been added and all examples have been updated to make this book as current and relevant as possible.