Building a company on Internet time: lessons from Netscape
Article Abstract:
The Internet has created new demands on start-up companies: How do you grow an organization faster than ever before? This article draws lessons from Netscape, the fastest growing software company in history. Netscape executives did four big things right: they crafted a compelling but pragmatic vision; they made experience a top priority in hiring staff; they built big-company resources while maintaining small-company flexibility; and they successfully leveraged external resources in order to compensate for the company's small size. At the same time, company leaders made mistakes: They overestimated the pace of technological change, they failed to develop systematic strategic processes until it was almost too late, and they often sacrificed long-term value in favor of short-term cash. Despite these failings, Netscape built a successful organization that ultimately delivered $10 billion in value to their shareholders after only four years. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: California Management Review
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0008-1256
Year: 1999
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Competing in the age of digital convergence
Article Abstract:
The topic of convergence has been around for decades. Forecasters have long predicted the coming of a digital age, where semiconductors, computing, communications, and other forms of electronics would converge into overlapping industries. This article explores the technological foundations of digital convergence and the managerial requirements for success. It argues that mastering digital convergence does not require a magical new set of technologies. Too many companies have sought, and failed, to master digital convergence with a big technological breakthrough or a grand acquisition. Instead, firms should adopt a strategy that I summarize in the acronym CHESS, which stands for creative combinations, horizontal solutions, externalities and standards, scale and bundling, and new production techniques called system-focused development. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: California Management Review
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0008-1256
Year: 1996
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