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A text-based networked virtual environment represents to a user a system of rooms joined by exits and entrances. When navigating this system of rooms, a user can communicate in real time with other connected users occupying the same room. Hence, these virtual environments are aptly suited for networked conferencing and teaching. Anecdotal information suggested that some people feel a sense of "being there" or presence when connected to one of these environments. To determine how many people feel this sense of presence, we surveyed 207 people from 6 different groups of users of textbased networked virtual environments. The results indicated that 69% of these subjects felt a sense of presence. Experiments with people in text-based networked virtual environments may be helpful in understanding the contribution to presence by social interaction in other virtual environments.I

The study of interorganizational systems (IOSs) has been an important area of interest in information systems research. Proponents of``transaction cost'' economic theory predict that IOSs will tend towards a market-driven orientation over time. Other researchers, however, suggest that there is a reverse trend occurring towards more hierarchical systems (fewer and closer relationships between buyers and sellers). This study examines the theoretical and strategic perspectives that tend to promote one form of network relationship over the other. An exploratory qualitative study of both a market (Amazon.com's Internet book sales system) and a hierarchical (the Wallace Information Network system) network structure supports the development of a framework to guide future research and strategy.

Examines current and planned practices and the major benefits of communication‐intensive information system applications. The Internet, once a government‐controlled, tax‐supported endeavor, is no longer restricted to noncommercial traffic. Contends that business use of the Internet has grown rapidly over the last several years, yet information technology managers still struggle to evaluate the contribution of this new technology in their organizations. Surveys were sent to a random selection of 500 companies to analyze current use and impact of the Internet in a business setting. Reports on the variety of expected values to be derived from use of the Internet indicated by respondents.

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