Market Segmentation for Information Goods with Network Externalities

Market Segmentation for Information Goods with Network Externalities
Author: Bing Jing
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 2008
Genre:
ISBN:

Positive externalities characterize the consumption of a majority of information goods such as software, various Internet services, and online communities. In a simple model of vertical differentiation, we show that network externality is a critical factor for the versioning of such information goods. In particular, a multi-product monopolist offers two versions of distinct qualities. The underlying rationale is that offering the low-end version expands the network size and thus enhances the (network) value of the high-end version, allowing the firm to charge a higher price for the high-end version. In addition, we show that the low-quality version may be offered for free under very general conditions. Competition between firms producing compatible products reduces their incentive to version their products due to the spillover effects in a shared product network.

Product Differentiation and Market Segmentation of Information Goods

Product Differentiation and Market Segmentation of Information Goods
Author: Barrie R. Nault
Publisher:
Total Pages: 44
Release: 2006
Genre:
ISBN:

Large sunk costs of development, negligible costs of reproduction and distribution and substantial economies of scale make information goods distinct from physical goods. Consequently,how to take advantage of the specific characteristics of information goods is an important managerial problem. Price discrimination and product differentiation are common ways this issue has been addressed. In previous literature, vertical differentiation and related pricing strategies have been researched in contexts such as nonlinear utility functions,network externalities, competition and anti-piracy. Little attention has been paid to the relationship between market segmentation and product differentiation. In this paper, we emphasize the interaction of market segmentation and product differentiation as we believe that any product differentiation must be based on existing market segmentation. In our model, we treat vertical differentiation as a special case of horizontal differentiation, and we model the interaction between different market segments showing the differences in product differentiation strategies when moving from horizontal to vertical differentiation. We find that it is always sub-optimal to differentiate information goods if the market is not fully differentiated or if characteristics of the information goods are not specifically designed for certain market segments. We divide characteristics of information goods into four categories according to the ease of differentiation and design guidelines for firms to differentiate their goods based on these characteristics. We further provide guidance on whether to merge one or several versions when costs for versioning information goods are significant.

Contemporary Research on E-business Technology and Strategy

Contemporary Research on E-business Technology and Strategy
Author: Vasil Khachidze
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 743
Release: 2012-10-05
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 364234447X

This book constitutes the proceedings of the International Conference on E-business and Strategy, iCETS 2012, held in Tianjin, China, in August 2012. The 65 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 231 submissions. The papers feature contemporary research on developments in the fields of e-business technology, information management systems, and business strategy. Topics addressed are latest development on e-business technology, computer science and software engineering for e-business, e-business and e-commerce applications, social networking and social engineering for e-business, e-business strategic management and economics development, e-business education, entrepreneurship and e-learning, digital economy strategy, as well as internet and e-commerce policy.

Two-Sided Network Effects

Two-Sided Network Effects
Author: Geoffrey Parker
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2012
Genre:
ISBN:

How can firms profitably give away free products? This paper provides a novel answer and articulates tradeoffs in a space of information product design. We introduce a formal model of two-sided network externalities based in textbook economics - a mix of Katz & Shapiro network effects, price discrimination, and product differentiation. Externality-based complements, however, exploit a different mechanism than either tying or lock-in even as they help to explain many recent strategies such as those of firms selling operating systems, Internet browsers, games, music, and video. The model presented here argues for three simple but useful results. First, even in the absence of competition, a firm can rationally invest in a product it intends to give away into perpetuity. Second, we identify distinct markets for content providers and end consumers and show that either can be a candidate for a free good. Third, product coupling across markets can increase consumer welfare even as it increases firm profits. The model also generates testable hypotheses on the size and direction of network effects while offering insights to regulators seeking to apply antitrust law to network markets.

LISS 2020

LISS 2020
Author: Shifeng Liu
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 1056
Release: 2021-04-10
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9813343591

This book contains the proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Logistics, Informatics and Service Sciences (LISS 2020), which is co-organized by Beijing Jiaotong University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, in July 25–28 2020. This book focuses on the “AI and data-driven technical and management innovation in logistics, informatics and services” and aims to provide new research methods, theories and applications from various areas of management and engineering. In detail the included scientific papers analyse and describe communication processes in the fields of logistics, informatics, service sciences and other related areas. The variety of papers delivers added value for both scholars and practitioners. Information and communication technologies have been providing an effective network infrastructure and development platform for logistics and service operations.

Information Markets

Information Markets
Author: Frank Linde
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages: 641
Release: 2011-05-26
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 3110236109

Information Markets is a compendium of the i-commerce, the commerce with digital information, content as well as software. Information Markets is a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of economic and information science endeavors on the markets of digital information. It provides a strategic guideline for information providers how to analyse their market environment and how to develop possible strategic actions. It is a book for information professionals, both for students of LIS (Library and Information Science), CIS (Computer and Information Science) or Information Management curricula and for practitioners as well as managers in these fields.

Research and Practical Issues of Enterprise Information Systems II Volume 2

Research and Practical Issues of Enterprise Information Systems II Volume 2
Author: Li Xu
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 789
Release: 2007-10-15
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0387763112

This volume presents work from the IFIP TC 8 WG 8.9 International Conference on the Research and Practical Issues of Enterprise Information Systems (CONFENIS 2007). Enterprise information systems (EIS) have become increasingly popular. EIS integrate and support business processes across functional boundaries in a supply chain environment. In recent years, more and more enterprises world-wide have adopted EIS such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for running their businesses.

Handbook of Market Segmentation

Handbook of Market Segmentation
Author: Art Weinstein
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780789021571

This is a practical how-to guide to what marketers need to know about defining, segmenting and targeting business markets: assessing customer needs; gauging the competition; designing winning strategies; and maximising corporate resources.

Issues & Trends of Information Technology Management in Contemporary Organizations

Issues & Trends of Information Technology Management in Contemporary Organizations
Author: Information Resources Management Association. International Conference
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 878
Release: 2002-01-01
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9781930708396

As the field of information technology continues to grow and expand, it impacts more and more organizations worldwide. The leaders within these organizations are challenged on a continuous basis to develop and implement programs that successfully apply information technology applications. This is a collection of unique perspectives on the issues surrounding IT in organizations and the ways in which these issues are addressed. This valuable book is a compilation of the latest research in the area of IT utilization and management.