Economic Web

Defined by George Dafermos at http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue6_11/dafermos/

"An economic web is a dynamic network of companies whose businesses (are built around a single common platform to) deliver independent elements of an overall value proposition that strengthens as more companies join (Hagel, 2000). Webs are not alliances. There is no formal relationship among the web's participants as the latter are independent to act in any way they choose to maximize their profits. These features drive them into weblike behaviour. Typical example is the Microsoft-Intel ("Wintel") web, composed of companies that produce Windows-Intel-based software applications and related services for PC users. Unlike alliance networks, in which companies are invited to join by the dominant company, economic webs are open to all and numbers equal power. The purpose of a network platform is to draw together participating companies by facilitating the exchange of knowledge among them.

The platform (a technical standard) of an economic web does not affect participating companies' relationship with the shaper (the company that owns the standard) and enables them to provide complementary products and services. Two conditions must be present for a web to form: a technological platform and increasing returns." (http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue6_11/dafermos/)