Abstract

Many predict a shift in the way organizations function as the World Wide Web becomes the predominant way that people gain access to computer applications and information. As organizations graft Web interfaces to their legacy systems and conceive of entire new information systems that take advantage of the Web infrastructure, a new field called Web Information Systems (WIS) is emerging. There is a clear difference between a set of Web pages and a WIS. The WIS supports work, and is usually tightly integrated with other non-Web-based information systems such as a databases and transaction processing systems. But, what is so different about WIS from other distributed information systems? And for that matter, how do WIS really differ from more traditional systems? Don’t WIS developers face the same needs for systematic analysis and design, robust implemen- tations, economic return on investment and competitive advantage, etc.? Are the users of WIS that much different from other information system users? How much do the lessons we’ve learned over the last several decades of IS research and development apply to the Web? This panel will explore the young field of Web Information Systems, examining issues in Web development and usage contrasted with our experiences with traditional systems. Our goal will be to come away with a better understanding of the Web, Web Information Systems, and traditional information systems.

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