They don ' t want to be left behind when the next strategic inflection point sweeps the industry. Users are unlikely to wait for Microsoft Office. which could run 100 Mbytes or more. Similarly, thin clients, like SunRay, are simply a dumb idea. The vending machine paradigm works so well because supply chains have become electrified. Ariba, CommerceOne, and i2 aim to link any kind of buyer with any kind of seller via the Web and CommerceOne is gaining on the field.
Supply chains are as subject to the law of increasing returns as are other network businesses.
The more buyers and sellers in the chain, the more valuable it becomes. Ultimately, such an increasing-return business amasses a monopolistic market share. Once it achieves market dominance, customers are unlikely to shop for a better trading partner. Inc. All rights reserved. Digital Library CS Store Computer magazine IT Professional Internet Computing Software magazine Magazines Transactions Conference proceedings Subscription info.