Towards an Enterprise'Information and Knowledge System (EIKS)

In this paper we notice that all definitions of information system never make explicitly the distinction between the notion of "data", "information", and "knowledge". So, terms "data", "information", and "knowledge"are often used interchangeably. Notably, that is the case when considering projects using Web 2.0 applications. The purpose of this paper is to heighten enterprise awareness of the risks induced by this confusion, and to present an Enterprise'Information and Knowledge System empirical model (EIKS). This model, unlike the models of information systems curently used, highlights the importance to integrate the individuals as users and components of the system. That leads to clarify conditions and limits in which "knowledge"can be thought as an object, and processed as"information"within digital information systems using Web 2.0 applications. Thus, we clarify our approach making the difference between "data", "information"and "knowledge", and introduce our DITEK process model. This leads us to suggest a model of an Enterprise' Information and Knowledge System (EIKS) supported by a Digital Information System. As examples, we analyze the case of Enterprise's Portal, and the case of Community of Practice. Furthermore, we consider the problem of the EIKS' evolution.