Main components of an information systems are hardware, software, data, process and

people. A mission critical system is a system that is essential to the survival of a business or

organization. They are typically called on by numerous other systems and applications in

order to perform work and achieve specific goals. Failure of the system will cause high cost

loos and significantly impact on the organization or business operation. Examples of mission

critical systems are: an online banking system, aircraft navigation systems and electric power

systems.

A system may be considered mission critical when any of the following conditions are met:

? Human life or safety is at risk

? Research or information is compromised

? Affected parties are subject to legal, regulatory, or financial costs

? Reputation is adversely affected in a significant manner

? Critical business functions and applications are affected

? Loss of data or access to data is experienced