This paper defines electronic data interchange (EDI) in terms of its derivation from the wider group of strategic, interorganizational information systems. It discusses the topic from two viewpoints: the nature and derivation of EDI systems and the issues involved in integrating EDI systems into existing organizations, at both the technical and structural levels. The paper approaches the problem with an introduction to the concept of strategic information systems and then discusses the particular importance of interorganizational information systems (IOS). The literature pertaining to EDI is introduced, together with a discussion of EDI's historical development and the benefits it offers to implementing organizations. As an interorganizational information system, EDI is differentiated on the basis of its essentially cooperative role and EDI system integration issues are divided into the technical and organizational.
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