 | | Abstract | The solution to the daunting set of problems facing B2B marketplaces today involves starting with a new metaphor for marketplaces. Current B2B exchanges use the implicit metaphor of the "mall": top-down, tightly controlled, private trading networks. The opposite metaphor is the "bazaar," the wild market or trading floor where anything goes with few limits. Basex identifies the Open Interposit (OI), a type of B2B marketplace which will become increasingly common over the next two years. The OI combines the best of both types of markets: the openness of the Bazaar with the security and efficiency of the Mall. In practice, applying the principles of the OI entails giving the users more options and more control within each level and step of the supply chain transaction process, as well as setting up mechanisms to allow for multiple and complex conversations, collaboration, and context at every step of the process.
This paper is a must-read for anyone invested in an online marketplace who needs to know where the market is going and how they can best position themselves to profit from it, as well as the community/collaboration technology vendors positioned to power the evolution of marketplaces online.
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