Publications
Publications
- December 1998 (Revised March 1999)
- HBS Case Collection
Disruptive Technology a Heartbeat Away: Ecton, Inc.
By: Clayton M. Christensen and Edward G Cape
Abstract
Describes an innovating start-up company with a disruptive technology to the large, expensive echocardiography machines that leading cardiologists use to create images of heart functions for diagnostic purposes. Ecton's machine is small, cheap, portable, and can't create images as clear as those that large, expensive instruments can make. The entrepreneur is searching for a market for his product, and wonders whether he should sell out or try to build a successful commercial organization.
Keywords
Business Startups; Disruption; Machinery and Machining; Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Invention; Marketing; Product; Commercialization; Technology; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry
Citation
Christensen, Clayton M., and Edward G Cape. "Disruptive Technology a Heartbeat Away: Ecton, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 699-018, December 1998. (Revised March 1999.)