Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 818-052.
Citation:
Kominers, Scott Duke, Thomas R. Eisenmann, and Alan Lam. "Updating Dating." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 821-025, August 2020. View Details|
Article California Management Review Managing Proprietary and Shared Platforms |
Abstract
In a platform-mediated network, users rely on a common platform, provided by one or more intermediaries, that encompasses infrastructure and rules required by users to transact with each other. A fundamental design decision for firms that aspire to develop platform-mediated networks is whether to preserve proprietary control or share their platform with rivals. A proprietary platform has a single provider that solely controls its technology, for example, Federal Express, Apple Macintosh, or Google. With a shared platform, such as Visa, DVD, or Linux, multiple firms collaborate in developing the platform's technology then compete in offering users differentiated but compatible versions of the platform. This article examines factors that favor proprietary versus shared models when designing new platforms, then explains how management challenges differ for proprietary and shared platform during network mobilization.
Keywords: Governance Controls; Market Platforms; Infrastructure; Competition; Cooperation; Technology Networks;
Citation:
Eisenmann, Thomas R. "Managing Proprietary and Shared Platforms." California Management Review 50, no. 4 (Summer 2008).
