The Internet Economy: Technology and Practice

This book gives a strategic overview of the new economy of the 21st century. Using detailed discussions, insights, examples, and economic theories and models, this book goes beyond the hype and technical jargons. It is definitely the one book you should read to understand Internet-based technologies and how they are systematically impacting almost all aspects of business and commerce, along with communication, education, entertainment, social and political arenas.

The goal of this book is to provide readers with a structured insight to the Internet-driven economy in four parts. In Part 1, first three chapters define the Internet economy, review underlying technologies and summarize Internet-based commerce. Part 2 discusses characteristics of e-business firms, their customers, and both knowledge-based and physical products and services being manufactured, delivered and consumed in a networked economy. Part 3 looks at various market mechanisms and channels and their effects on pricing. Part 4 reviews changing roles and operations of governments and public institutions, and policy issues for the Internet economy such as privacy, digital copyrights, taxation and regulation.