IT Management vs. IS Management: Which Is Right for You?

Information technology (IT) is a broad term used to describe the use of computer systems or devices to access and manage information. It’s used by businesses of all sizes, from local vendors to global corporations. As individuals, we’ve made IT part of our everyday lives by using it to connect with each other, shop, pay bills and socialize. Trends in IT management include cloud computing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics and software development, with new applications emerging constantly.

An information system is defined by Britannica as an integrated set of components for collecting, storing and processing data for providing information, knowledge and digital products. Businesses of all kinds use IS management in human resources, promoting their products, running supply chains and more. Some major businesses, such as eBay and Amazon, are built entirely around information systems. 

There are 3 main parts of an information system:

When making a side-by-side comparison of the responsibilities in IT management vs IS management, the differences become clearer. IT management is focused more on the management and maintenance of the hardware and software required to operate an information system, while IS management focuses on data management and analysis.

IT Management:

TechTarget outlines an IT management skillset which may include budgeting and cost management, regulatory compliance, governance, monitoring and upgrades of IT systems. They also emphasize that the complexity of this position also requires a variety of soft skills that include the following:

The occupational outlook for roles in IT and IS management is healthy, as reflected in growth projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With organizations’ increasing reliance on information technology services, the need for employees to manage hardware and software needs rises. This includes the demand for information systems managers, which is expected to be strong. 

The BLS projects that the job outlook for information systems managers will grow 16%, on a national level, between 2021and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.¹  

But IT managers aren’t the only ones seeing growth potential. The BLS projects the overall employment of database administrators to grow 9%, on a national level, faster than the average for all occupations.² The BLS attributes this growth to the continuing data needs of companies in nearly all sectors of the United States economy, and acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as organizations migrate data to cloud environments.

What education is required to pursue a career in information systems information technology management? According to occupational outlook information from the BLS, computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter this field and some organizations may require their managers to have earned a master’s degree. 

The BLS further states that most jobs in information system management require candidates to have several years of experience in a related IT job, but the number of years of experience required will vary with the organization doing the hiring. Lower-level management positions may generally require only a few years of experience, while careers at the director level are more likely to require significant work experience.  

For database administrators, a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field is typically needed, and certain positions may require additional training or certifications as well.

You may have noticed the terms “information systems” and “information technology” being used interchangeably. This is because many of the tasks performed by professionals in both IS management and IT management are similar. 

If you’re considering pursuing a career in information systems or information technology but aren’t sure about which career path to take, it may be a good idea to consider a basic difference between the two careers.

Information systems is the “big picture” career, involving the people, processes and technology that comprise the information system. Information technology is the design and implementation of information within that system, thereby focusing on the hardware and software used to manage information and keep it secure. 

Asking yourself if you enjoy working with people and taking part in strategic planning and collaborating with other departments, or if you prefer a more hands-on role that consists mostly of working with equipment and software may lead you toward the path that works best for you.