Professor Van Alstyne is one of the leading experts in network business models. He conducts research on information economics, covering such topics as communications markets, the economics of networks, intellectual property, social effects of technology, and productivity effects of information. As co-developer of the concept of “two-sided networks” he has been a major contributor to the theory of network effects, a set of ideas now taught worldwide. His co-authored article on the subject is a Harvard Business Review top 50 of all time.

His book, Platform Revolution, teaches newcomers how to start and run a successful platform business, explaining ways to identify prime markets and monetize networks. Addressing current business leaders, the authors reveal strategies behind some of today’s up-and-coming platforms, such as Tinder and SkillShare, and explain how traditional companies can adapt in a changing marketplace.

Marshall was one of the early reviewers of the Distributed Manufacturing Exchange and provided our team with guidance and feedback. We remain eternally grateful for the insights he provided.

This is a great idea and one of the best proposed platform implementations I have seen.  It’s not a question of if it will be done, or if it will be a success, but who will be first…

Marshall Van Alstyne PhD