INDUSTRY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

In a recent gathering of information systems academics and professionals there was yet another discussion of, “What is information systems,†and “What are appropriate areas of research in this field.†After a heated debate I am happy to report that we once again confirmed the obvious, that is capturing, storing and managing data and generating information from data still forms the core of our profession. Database systems ranging from special purpose personal databases to large organizational databases that support transaction processing systems as well as other critical functions are pervasive in the day-to-day operations of our organizations. It is precisely this level of dependence that results in a low rate of innovation and/or adoption of new technology in the user community. The factors that kept COBOL as the leading programming language used in business systems decades beyond what was predicted by many people, are now affecting the database field in a very similar fashion. This level of caution and slow adaptation to change is not necessarily a bad thing. We just need to recognize this and understand what our roles as academicians and practitioners engaged in database research in this environment.