This book provides a conceptual framework to understand and analyze the decline of the telecommunications industry and the rise of information industries. This includes information distribution, banking, advertising, computing, etc. and will use a value based perspective to show the industry shaping dynamics. The integrative framework will cover issues relevant to all information industries including network externalities, lock in and switching costs, cost structure analysis, transactions costs and infomediaries. INDICE List of Figures List of Tables List of Exibits CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: dIGITAL DATA AND THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION Dot.com Realities Why does Digital Information Make a Difference in Bsiness Analogue and Digital Business Information Metadata Computing Power The Online Value Chain: Creating and Appropriating Value in Networked Environments New Information-based Relationships Connecting to the Network A Simple Transaction Stream Internet Architecture Moden, ISP and Hosting Computer The Structure of the Book CHAPTER 2: CLIENT SOFTWARE Competitive Factors: The Nature of Information-Based Businesses Information and Information Goods Cost Structure The Lock-In Positive Feedback Strategic Approaches Setting Propritary Standards Managing the Lock-In Process Avoiding Commoditization Industry Structure and Trends Paradigm Shift CHAPTER 3: LOCAL LOOP, ISPs AND IAPs The ISP/IAP Industry ISPs: Competitive Factors ISPs: Strategic Approaches ISP/IAP: Industry Structure and Trends Local Loop DSL and ADSL Commercial Value Local Loop: Competitive Factors Local Loop: Strategic Approaches Local Loop: Industry Structure and Trends CHAPTER 4: NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE: THE INTERNET BACKBONE Infrastructures: The Bandwith Revolution Long-Distance Telecommunications Companies Long-Distance Telecommunications: Competitive Factors Telecommunications: Strategic Approaches Telecommunications: Industry Structure and Trends Network Equipment: Network Infrastructure Network Equipment