A Typology of Inter-Organizational Information Systems

Abstract

This chapter provides a typology of inter-organizational information systems (IOISs) in order to provide a better understanding of the purposes of IOISs and their organizational uses, and to fill in the gaps not yet investigated by researchers. It provides a comparison of IOISs in terms of network structures and type of information exchanged, covers the benefits and risks of these systems, suggests new areas for research, and describes expected trends for IOISs. This typology highlights the differences and similarities not only among the many configurations of IOISs available today, but also contrasts this with internal Web sites (intranets) and public (external) Internet Web sites. It is hoped that the typology and ideas presented here provide new insights for academics and practitioners that will be used to improve the evolving landscape of electronic commerce.