ABSTRACT
Much has been written in the past decade regarding the competitive uses of information technology (IT) in industry. Organizations are encouraged to move into the supply chain, the system of interdependent activities used to produce a product or service, and to establish direct, electronic links with their suppliers and customers. Recent applications of IT, such as Web-based commerce, have targeted customers and distribution channels. These electronic links, or interorganizational systems (IOS), are a powerful competitive weapon for facilitating cost leadership and differentiating products and services.
