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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2009
(Revised from original 2009 version)
Linden Lab: Crossing the Chasm
by
Thomas R. Eisenmann and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld
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Abstract
In early 2008, managers at Linden Lab, creator of the virtual world Second Life, faced decisions about the company's growth strategy. Despite profound initial skepticism about demand for a user-generated virtual world that was not a traditional game, Second Life had achieved profitability and strong growth. However, sustaining growth would prove challenging. Growth had strained Linden Lab's technical infrastructure. Also, although Second Life had attracted a large, loyal base of early adopters, it was unclear whether their preferences were similar to those of mainstream consumers. In this context, management faced choices about platform strategy and target markets. Should Linden Lab continue to offer an open platform or build its own solutions for customers? Should it target adult consumers, teens, enterprise customers, or the education market?
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Growth and Development Strategy;
Marketing Strategy;
Demand and Consumers;
Infrastructure;
Technology Adoption;
Technology Platform;
Citation:
Eisenmann, Thomas R., and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. "Linden Lab: Crossing the Chasm." Harvard Business School Case 809-147, August 2009. (Revised from original April 2009 version.)