The research for this book was conducted at a time when the internet bubble of the late 1990ies was about to burst. Only a handful of internet-based business models have survived that melt-down - some of the electronic marketplaces discussed in this book are among them; namely those that were able to quickly expand their internationally diversified installed base of users. Hence, the tide of events seems to have confirmed the hypotheses put forth in this research endeavor. That said, this book provides a useful application of the theory of network economics: the conceptualization of a framework to capture the mechanics of network effects in a business context. I have found the concept developed in this book to be very useful in a number of varying contexts that I encountered during my work as a consultant and business manager.

Autorentext
Andreas Arni, CFA, has held several management positions in international banking. Prior to that he has worked as a Management Consultant, advising firms in Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom. He received his doctoral degree in 2003, and his licenciate degree in 2000, both from the University of St.Gallen, Switzerland.