Policies influencing the diffusion of instant messaging

摘要

Many information and communication products show characteristics that are callednetwork effects or positive demand externalities, i.e. their utility for users depends onhow many other people also use the product. The paper investigates the diffusion ofsuch products. Instant messaging is taken as an example. Strategic options of theplayers in the instant messaging market are presented and analyzed on the basis of asystem dynamics model.