B2B relationships and networks in the Internet age

Abstract

Internet‐centred business models have proved to be an effective means of conducting business‐to‐business (B2B) commerce in many industry sectors. As an interactive and instantaneous medium, the Internet provides firms with a new platform – commonly referred to as electronic marketplaces or electronic hubs (“e‐marketplaces” or “e‐hubs”). This study examines the advantages of business networks and relationships, and elucidates how these have become increasingly imperative within the new e‐business paradigm of the global marketplace. The study draws on the Covisint e‐marketplace – the e‐hub of the automotive industry – to illustrate some of the innovative business features that can be supported by e‐marketplace business models and notes the complexities of e‐relationships that require round the clock support.