Managing network effects in high-tech markets
提出一个三阶段框架，帮助管理者评估现有技术的网络效应潜力、重新定位核心产品并采取配套措施，以维持竞争优势。
Executive Summary Many high-tech markets are characterized by network effects: situations where consumers make their decisions not simply based on the core product, but also on the quality and availability of its complements. These network effects enable the creation of a technological standard, which can lead to a strong competitive position for the core-product manufacturer. There is no guarantee, however, that this position can be sustained over time. Managers must therefore focus on further developments of the core product. We argue here that the best way to stimulate further developments is to reposition the core product in order to strengthen network effects. A three-phase framework can determine how to make an investment in the future generation of a product for which complements are crucial. First, we provide a matrix to evaluate whether the existing technology presents some untapped potential in terms of network effects; second, we analyze how to reposition the core product; third, we suggest some accompanying measures to manage this repositioning efficiently.