The Knowledge Channel: Corporate Strategies for the Internet

The number of Internet users is doubling every year, and will soon total more than 100 million people. This group will constitute an enormous and attractive market segment, one with exceptional buying power and demonstrated acceptance of new products and new technologies. However, many people use this new medium primarily for social dialog, which gives the Internet a dual role and a unique character that is unlike any medium or marketplace that has existed before. As it matures, therefore, the Internet poses unique challenges to old ways of ding business even as it promises to have enduring impact on the way that business is conducted worldwide. This report surveys the Internet phenomenon as an important topic for corporate strategy, and offers valuable insights into: Its growth Its technical foundations The new market segments it creates Its promising opportunities, and Its development over the long term. An excellent wake-up call to any company that doesnt appreciate or hasnt planned for the impact of the internet on electronic commerce and business communication. Ron Maheu Chairperson, National High Tech Group Coopers An excellent and comprehensive treatment of this very dynamic and evolving component of one of our new market opportunities. I have recommended it to key executives at Pacific Bell and SBC. Armando R. Marquez Former Director, Strategic Workforce Planning Southwestern Bell An impressive analysis. A work of substance and balance. Benjamin Compaine Senior Research Professor Pennsylvania State University A visionary document. Thomas McGann Former NYNEX Executive Way out ahead of a lot of the thinking on the Net. Benjamin Fuller Daimler-Benz Society and Technology Laboratory We like The Knowledge Channel. It has been command reading for a number of our people