Electronic Product Catalogues: what is missing?

This paper addresses the idea that although Electronic Product Catalogues are improving a lot, they are only a necessary but insufficient condition to turn a company into a so-called “Digital Organization”. The paper reviews both the functional character of the EPC and their recent evolution. It pays special attention to the efforts of many software companies, specialized in developing this kind of product, as they strive to make management easier for both sellers and buyers. Finally, the paper addresses the question of how the EPC fit into a basic organizational model, in which technology, people and processes constitute vital elements. Companies need to develop medium- and long-term strategies that enable them to establish their presence in electronic markets, while offering prospects for the future thanks to sustained competitive advantages.