Information Technology and Information （信息技术和信息）.pdfVIP

Information Technology and Information Systems: Its Use as a Competitive and Strategic Weapon Leslie M. Bobb Peter Harris School of Management, New York Institute of Technology, USA ABSTRACT Most companies today are finding a new dimension for use of t heir information systems and information technologies. That added dimension is its use as a competitive and strategic weapon. Information systems (IS) and information technologies (IT) had their origins as a data processing aid. Now companies are increasingly finding out that it is not the data that matters, but how that data is managed and utilized. Common themes such as: a clear corporate mission, the utilization of IT as a corporate resource, and a marketing position that advocates IT usage have been ide ntified by successful companies as the foundation for IT use as a competitive and strategic weapon. Three main assets have been identified by successful IT companies as the main reason for their success: • There must be a strong IT staff, • A reusable technology base, and • A partnership between the IT staff and business management Firms must identify their target group correctly and focus their efforts intensely. These target groups may be any or all of their customers, suppliers or competition. In addition, analysis must be done at the firm, industry, and strategy level to best determine the maximum benefits of its IT potential. Use of IT as a competitive and strategic weapon could differentiate a company in today’s global competitive environment. At a time when