Elektronische Märkte - Merkmale, Organisation und Potentiale

Advanced computer technology and the characteristics of the internet allow for the construction of virtual marketplaces and places of virtual encounter. In addition, the internet permits the implementation of transaction processes in a direct and generic way. The technological innovation changes the market processes, it makes a redesign of business both possible and necessary. Novel goods and services require different markets where agents or their virtual representatives can meet and trade. Considering this, electronic markets have the characteristics of a medium which allows agents to interact and negotiate regardless of physical locations, and which supports the stakeholders in all the involved transaction processes. Most of these electronic markets are developing right now, parts of the financial markets are already on a high level. The text explains and illustrates the performance and the potential of electronic marketplaces which are designed for a specific, client-oriented need. This has far-reaching effects on the organizational structure of the economy as a whole and therefore on the classic production factors. The author defines the notion of an electronic market and takes a close look on the characteristics of electronic transactions, on possible designs of marketplaces and on the management of electronic markets in the information based economy.