Information systems practice, education and research

Abstract. The launch of a new journal in information systems prompts thought and debate concerning the state of the subject area and some contemplation on its past and future. This introductory paper reflects the views of the editors, views which will not be shared by all. We find a wide spectrum of interpretations and experiences concerning the nature of information systems and this wide range of views is both a strength and a weakness. It is a weakness in the sense that it is very difficult to put boundaries around the area and establish common definitions and accepted norms. The latter are usually associated with more stable and established disciplines that have accepted underlying theories. It is a strength in the sense that the wide variety of views, experiences and background subjects adds richness to the discipline. From the point of view of the Journal of Information Systems this should mean a wide variety of interesting topics from which we can draw. Our paper begins with an introduction to the debate about the nature of information systems, a debate which is continued in the following paper. We also give an overview of practice, education and research in information systems. In order to keep the paper to a reasonable length, this overview will necessarily be selective and will probably be Anglocentric.