There are different classes of actors who have a stake in the success of an information system. These are the system stakeholders. Since one person can play several roles, it is possible for one person to be a member of several of the stakeholder classes.

External Stakeholders (Top)

The external stakeholders are the actors in the environment of the organization, and therefore in the environment of the system, that interact with the system. They include:

• Customers (Clients)
  System customers are actors that stimulate our system to provide a service to the customer. Customers are also external system users.

• Vendors (Servers)
  System vendors are actors that are stimulated by our system to provide a service to our system.

Internal Stakeholders (Top)

The internal stakeholders are actors inside the organization boundary.

• System Sponsors
  The system sponsors pay for the system to be built and maintained. They provide that justification for the system and determine policies for its use. System sponsors may also be system users. Systems sponsors generally come from the ranks of executives or managers.

• System Users
  The system users are the people who actually use the system on a regular basis to support the operation and management of the organization. System users are also internal system customers. Systems users come from all levels of the organization.

• System Analysts
  Systems analysts are people who determine the requirements that must be met by the system to meets the needs of the customers, sponsors, and users.

• Systems Designers
  Systems designers are technical specialists who select appropriate technologies and may the essential requirements into practical requirements.

• System Builders
  Systems builders are technical specialists who build, test, and deliver the system.