The Development of Strategic Information Systems TheoryOver the past 15 years, a field has developed within the information systems discipline that is generally referred to as “strategic information systems”. It is interested in systems whose importance to the organization goes beyond simply helping it perform its existing functions effectively, or even simply. A strategic information system plays a key role in the organization's achievement of its competitive or other strategic objectives. This article presents a critical summary of the literature and is accompanied by a comprehensive reference list. It begins by tracing the development of contemporary theory on the strategic uses of internal corporate information systems, primarily from Porter's theories of competitive strategy. This leads to discussion of systems that transcend the boundaries of particular organizations and are associated with cooperation between them. The process by which strategic information systems are created or identified is then examined. A number of weaknesses in the existing body of theory are identified and suggestions are made as to the directions in which knowledge is or could be advanced.IntroductionThe theme of 'strategic information systems' concerns those systems which contribute significantly to the achievement overall objectives of an organization. The body of knowledge is of recent origin and very dynamic, and the field exudes an aura of enthusiasm. It is risky to attempt a historical exhibition on such a recent subject. On the other hand, the line of development followed by conventional wisdom is itself interesting and instructive. This paper is prepared as an intermediary...... middle of the paper ...... the search for competitive advantages, these frameworks are market oriented and not suitable for explaining SIS developed in other non-market oriented countries. industries, such as government. Another shortcoming of these frameworks is the focus on competitive advantage to the exclusion of other perspectives. Following industry-wide adoption of SIS, questions of sustainability of competitive advantage and competitive necessity arise. This in turn leads to cooperative agreements, including alliances, and, on a more abstract level, collaboration. IT has become an important factor in the operation and planning of information-based businesses. The theory of strategic information systems has contributed significantly to enabling the description, explanation and prediction of behavior. There remain significant weaknesses that need to be corrected.Bibliography: