04 - Digital Platforms

Digital platforms are categorized into various types. Which of the following represents the three main types of digital platforms?

• Social networks, E-commerce websites, and Search Engines

• Online marketplaces, Hybrid platforms, Customer access providers

• Cloud storage services, Streaming platforms, and Digital advertising platforms

• Payment gateways, Digital wallets, and Cryptocurrency exchanges

Which of the following platforms are known as investment platforms?

• LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor

• AngelList, Founderio, Companisto

• Amazon, eBay, Alibaba

• Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho

According to "The Platform Business Model Canvas," which of the following are classifications included in the types of platforms?

• Service platform, Mobility platform, Product platform, Payment platform, Investment platform

• Cloud platform, E-commerce platform, Gaming platform, Streaming platform

• Retail platform, Wholesale platform, Manufacturing platform, Logistics platform

• E-commerce platform, Marketplace platform, Subscription platform, Advertising platform

Which of the following sets of characteristics accurately describe digital platforms?

• High fixed costs, low user interaction, limited scalability, offline integration, manual transactions

• Are close to customers, create transparency, create extensive networking, enable transactions, provide customer reviews, specify processes, provide communication

• Require physical presence, have high entry barriers, offer limited feedback mechanisms, focus on one-to-one communication, have rigid structures

• Operate independently of user contributions, lack feedback loops, discourage user interaction, offer limited networking capabilities, have opaque processes

Customer access service providers play a specific role in the digital platform ecosystem. What do they primarily do?

• Provide cloud storage solutions and data management services to businesses.

• Offer encryption and cybersecurity services to protect user data.

• Refer suppliers to potential customers in the sense of referral, such as through search engines, social media, and content creators.

• Deliver logistical support and supply chain management services to e-commerce businesses.

What is the primary function of online marketplaces within the digital economy?

• They primarily focus on providing users with digital marketing tools and services.

• Online marketplaces present an often gigantic offering with standardized conditions and enable legally valid purchase transactions.

• They offer a platform for users to engage in social networking and content sharing without any commercial transactions.

• These platforms focus on providing educational content and online learning resources.

In the context of the hotel industry's relationship with global booking platforms, what describes the "cat and mouse game" between hotels and these platforms?

• Hotels prefer to avoid being listed on global platforms to maintain higher profit margins and direct customer relationships.

• Hotels are indifferent to where their bookings come from, focusing solely on occupancy rates.

• Hotels want to be brokered by global platforms but find the commission too high, hence they create incentives for guests to book directly with them instead.

• Global platforms and hotels collaborate seamlessly to ensure maximum visibility and booking rates without any conflicting interests.

Why is the EU Commission conducting antitrust proceedings against Amazon, according to their findings?

• Because Amazon is accused of engaging in price fixing with other online retailers to eliminate competition.

• The EU Commission is investigating Amazon for potential tax evasion and financial misconduct within the European Union.

• Amazon is under scrutiny for using "competitively sensitive information" from third-party sellers on its marketplace to optimize its sales activities.

• The proceedings are due to Amazon's monopolistic control over the e-commerce market, limiting the entry of new competitors.

What does the concept of a "differentiated strategy" imply for companies placing their offerings on digital platforms?

• Companies should adopt a uniform approach to selling their products across all platforms to maintain consistency and brand recognition.

• A differentiated strategy suggests that companies should place their entire product range on as many platforms as possible to maximize visibility and sales.

• Companies need to carefully design their sales strategy so that they can selectively place parts of their product range on platforms in a way that enhances their brand and leads to success.

• The strategy implies that companies should avoid digital platforms altogether to prevent potential brand damage and focus solely on traditional sales channels.

How has the transparency of the Internet affected the distribution and competition among products?

• It has resulted in a scarcity of products, making unique offers more valuable and allowing suppliers to charge premium prices.

• The Internet's transparency has led to over-distribution, with many similar products available, making availability and price the key differentiators for consumers.

• Transparency has diminished the importance of price in consumer decisions, with brand reputation and customer service becoming the primary factors.

• It has created a more balanced market where all suppliers have an equal chance of success, regardless of their pricing strategies.