International information systems (IIS) technology is a field where academic research is sparse. This contrasts starkly with a growing concern of practitioners who have come to regard IIS as a double threat: They are often vitally critical for the globally oriented firm, but at the same time they are perceived as difficult and risky. Previous research is reviewed and classified by research domain. The areas of importance for practitioners are less well researched than others, A theory building methodology is discussed and recommended for an initial research project. To give focus to the method a ?seed? concept is proposed as a starting point and validated on three case vignettes from the author?s own experience. The implication of the concept for the development and implementation of IIS are discussed and a direction for future research is indicated.