Evolving Information Systems: Beyond Temporal Information Systems

Abstract

Nowadays, in order for an organisation to be competitive, it mustbe able to adapt quickly to its dynamic environment. In this paper,we discuss the need for information systems which are capable toevolve to the same extent as organisations do. Requirements of evolvingorganisations on their information systems are identified, followedby alternative approaches to adequate information systems developmentlife cycles. We adopt an evolutionary approach resulting in so-calledevolving information systems. On the basis of requirements and anarchitecture for these evolving information systems, the distinctionfrom traditional information systems is explained. Traditional informationsystems, including temporal information systems, appear to be degenerationsof our evolving information systems. A conceptual framework for updatein evolving information systems is derived from the requirements.An event level, a recording level and a correction level are distinguishedin this framework for update.