With examples ranging from the history of Nasdaq to the rise and fall of Priceline, this concise book details how the major deal-making methods -- auctions, real-time exchanges, and posted-price sales engines -- can determine the success or failure of an e-commerce enterprise. In addition, Robert Hall shows how careful decisions about information sharing, patents, network effects, government regulations, and other factors will allow entrepreneurs to make the most of Internet business opportunities.

As e-market volume more than doubles each year -- and the success stories increasingly stand out among the many failures -- understanding the principles of electronic deal making has become critical. This book sheds needed light on fundamental new business models.