Examining E-Business Models: Applying a Holistic Approach in the Mobile Environment

Abstract

The benefits of living in a fast changing information society become evident if effective e-business practices are implemented, offering companies exposure and access to global markets and consumer access to customized, high quality services. Such practices are facilitated by innovative and effective e-business models. However, the business literature defines business models from different viewpoints, each focusing on different components. This leads to a fragmented and confusing picture regarding the shape and role of e-business models and the factors that distinguish successful business models. This paper explains why a more holistic approach to the study of e-business models is called for and proposes such an approach enabled by the examination of five thematic areas in the development and adoption of a business model: technical, individual, organizational, industrial, societal. A case study is examined in order to prove the appropriateness and importance of the proposed approach in the context of mobile business.