Rating: 
Summary: good overview on value-webs
Review: I selected this book from the reading list of my e-commerce class in BUS 240 at California State University, San Jose. It seemed applicable to today's evolving business environment and relevant to what we have been learning in our MBA program. I found it to be a very encompassing and well written book. The authors broke it up into four distinct parts: Introduction, The New Models of Wealth Creation, The Human and Relationship Elements of Digital Capital, and Strategies for Business Webs. Each section is nearly capable of standing on its own. Some are more relevant to this class than others, but all are tied together in a coherent whole. Depending on who is reading the book, more may be gained from certain sections than from others. I personally learned something from each section or, at the very least, found myself thinking about the ideas presented in a new light.Following the basic introduction, the book conducts an in depth examination of the five core business models for e-commerce. Through detailed examples, the reader gains tremendous insight into the theories that drive these models. This was an engagingly well organized presentation and left me with a firm grasp on how the various models operate. This is an excellent read for both current and potential managers. The last two sections of the book were disappointing in that they were nowhere near as detailed or informative as the second section. The examples were minimal and the discussion relatively short. As I was reading them, I found myself asking for clarification on some points. Unfortunately, the authors did not provide it in this book. Not to say that these sections weren't good, because they were quite informative as far as a basic understanding of the concepts. The depth of coverage, however, left something to be desired. Overall, this was a very good book, for both students and managers alike. Even managers of companies that have already entered the e-commerce market are likely to find valuable information within its pages. The business model descriptions and tours through existing companies to illustrate each were invaluable. However, I think they could have expanded upon the last two sections and given the reader some deeper insight into these concepts. I also would have liked some real world examples as illustrations. These sections were so short and the business model section so much longer and expansive, it almost seems as if the title is a bit inappropriate. Aside from that, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the models and strategies behind companies today?s e-commerce world.
Rating:
Summary: The last two sections could have been more in depth.
Review: I selected this book from the reading list of my e-commerce class in BUS 240 at California State University, San Jose. It seemed applicable to today's evolving business environment and relevant to what we have been learning in our MBA program. I found it to be a very encompassing and well written book. The authors broke it up into four distinct parts: Introduction, The New Models of Wealth Creation, The Human and Relationship Elements of Digital Capital, and Strategies for Business Webs. Each section is nearly capable of standing on its own. Some are more relevant to this class than others, but all are tied together in a coherent whole. Depending on who is reading the book, more may be gained from certain sections than from others. I personally learned something from each section or, at the very least, found myself thinking about the ideas presented in a new light. Following the basic introduction, the book conducts an in depth examination of the five core business models for e-commerce. Through detailed examples, the reader gains tremendous insight into the theories that drive these models. This was an engagingly well organized presentation and left me with a firm grasp on how the various models operate. This is an excellent read for both current and potential managers. The last two sections of the book were disappointing in that they were nowhere near as detailed or informative as the second section. The examples were minimal and the discussion relatively short. As I was reading them, I found myself asking for clarification on some points. Unfortunately, the authors did not provide it in this book. Not to say that these sections weren't good, because they were quite informative as far as a basic understanding of the concepts. The depth of coverage, however, left something to be desired. Overall, this was a very good book, for both students and managers alike. Even managers of companies that have already entered the e-commerce market are likely to find valuable information within its pages. The business model descriptions and tours through existing companies to illustrate each were invaluable. However, I think they could have expanded upon the last two sections and given the reader some deeper insight into these concepts. I also would have liked some real world examples as illustrations. These sections were so short and the business model section so much longer and expansive, it almost seems as if the title is a bit inappropriate. Aside from that, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the models and strategies behind companies today?s e-commerce world.
Rating:
Summary: transaction costs and IT
Review: I take the liberty to point out that the basic ideas of linking Coase's theory with IT was outlined by me in a paper published in 1981: C.U.Ciborra Information Systems and Transactions Architecture, International Journal of policy Analysis and Information Systems 5(4), 305-24. This paper became later Chapter 6 of my book, Teams, Markets and Systems - Business Innovation and Information Technology, Cambridge University Press, 1993 (and 1996 - new edition). This book is used as a textbook for advanced courses in Information Systems of several European Universities.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting for the non technical type
Review: I was a bit disappointed while reading this book as it doesn't really address the needs of web application developpers working on cool projects. I feel it's mostly a book for those who haven't had any experience building e-communities and commecial web sites, a book for business people without a good grasp of the new economy. As a web devolopper, I am interested in any book that defines theories of what works, why and especially how.... An interesting book nonetheless, as it confirms certain strategies one may have envisioned already..
Rating: 
Summary: Straight and to the point....
Review: I'll admit it: I read a lot of business books, Internet and otherwise, and most of them either bore me to tears or confuse the hell out of me. This one is that rare exception that makes an interesting argument in a clear and straightforward style. The big benefit of e-business is the ability to connect almost instantly with your customers, suppliers, distributors, and even your competition. This book tells you how to do that by building a "business web" to maximize your interactions with these constituents. The traditional integrated firm may not be dead quite yet, but it's certainly headed that way, and we're all going to have to figure out a new way to do business. These authors provide balanced and intelligent guidance.
Rating:
Summary: Impressive.
Review: I'm impressed with the research that went into this book... The problem I have with "living on Internet time" is that no one ever gets deep into an issue or a problem. These authors have managed to do it, and the result is a book that comes up with a believable "big picture" of the new economy. The business models that they describe are clear and practicable, and the research is detailed. Certainly helpful and perhaps even vital reading for any businessperson interested in the internet - and if you're not interested, WHY NOT?
Rating:
Summary: Putting your money where your business should be
Review: If the University Texas is correct, the Internet economy is "increasingly being driven by traditional companies adapting Internet technologies." This book discusses how other companies are doing it. Don Tapscott is a must for any executive looking for tangible case studies. Find more than just a justification for your Internet initiative--find out how other companies are doing it. Fight Coase's Law through more efficient outsourcing; Streamline your partnerships; And more... I recommend this book to all of my Internet marketing students and would love to make it required reading.
Rating:
Summary: The next generation of e-business explained.
Review: Many books I've read on how the internet will change business consist of musings and mumblings about the trend of the day or compiling a years worth of news clippings and calling it a book. This book is different because the authors have clearly rolled up their sleeves and done some actual first-hand research on what is really happening at the cutting edge of business and the internet. The result of this old fashion, gum-shoe effort shows forth clearly as they rise above the haze of the internet and the trough of dotcom Wall Street and shows the reader what the next generation of e business is all about. Some companies like Cisco have already figured it out and they explain why. The rest of us have our work cut out for us, but at least this book give one a solid idea of where all of this e-business stuff is going. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Digital Capital delivers: Smart and Practical
Review: Over the past three or four years I've probably read a dozen books and countless articles on the 'dot.com' world. Almost without exception, these books and articles are exciting while you read them and unsatisfying afterwards: they tend to be full of heady prognostications and promises (we're all going to be instant millionaires if we just "get online") but they don't deliver any concrete advice or action. So I was very pleasantly surprised by Digital Capital. These guys get it: doing business on the Internet means rethinking your business model and throwing out your old assumptions about relationships with competitors, suppliers, and customers. Best of all, they include sections on "key success factors" and "leader's guides" for each of their business models. This book is definitely smarter AND more practical than most others in the field.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable framework for analyzing Internet Businesses
Review: The book provides very valuable insight into the new world of the electronic Economy. It is quite obvious that the authors have a deep understanding of the subject. Several times during the read, I almost had to resist the urge of crying "a-ha" out loud. Introducing the 'b-webs', the authors provide a highly useful and interesting framework on analyzing Internet businesses. However, one might of course wonder whether 250 pages are enough for describing the whole e-Economy. Some parts of the book tend to be a little shallow and selective in the sharing of details. Also, the authors seem very keen on 'branding' their own words and expressions, which spoils it a little. Still, the book has a lot of value in it and covers a wide area of interest. Absolutely worth reading!
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