The use of information technology (IT) as a competitive weapon has already become a popular cliche: but there is still a marked lack of understanding of the issues that determine die influence of IT on a panicular organization and the processes that will allow a smooth coordination of IT and corporate strategy. This paper surveys the major efforts to arrive at a relevant framework and attempts to integrate diem in a more comprehensive viewpoint The focus Uien turns to die major research issues in understanding the impact of IT on competitive strategy. Relevant dieory from corporate strategy is discussed and its application in understanding the use of IT is illustrated...