"An amazingly good book, written by two lawyers who really know what is (and was) going on. Everything in this extremely complex industry is covered, thoroughly and lucidly. This book makes the murky subject of telecommunications as the base technology for the Internet crystal clear, and the authors get it right."--Gerald R. Faulhaber, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and former Chief Economist, Federal Communications CommissionPlease note: New affiliation added.
"I am confident this book will become a truly important reference point in the years to come." Prescott C. Ensign Administrative Science Quarterly
"Witty, literate, and right on target, Rohlfs captures the economic and business principles of network ('bandwagon') effects in today's hottest sector of the economy. Network effects is the word du jour in the current business jargon, and many apply it where it doesn't work. Rohlfs is careful and convincing in laying out the theory, and absolutely on target in the many carefully researched examples he uses. The book is fun to read as well as incredibly useful in sorting out the wheat from the chaff. Rohlfs is the true pioneer of bandwagon/network effects, having discovered the concept almost thirty years ago. With this book, Rohlfs shows he is still the master, not only of the underlying theory but also of its practical application to a myriad of business situations. If you need one book to read on bandwagon/network effects, this has to be your choice."--Gerald R. Faulhaber, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and former Chief Economist, Federal Communications CommissionPlease note: Endorser gives permission to excerpt from quote.
"This book takes one inside the global internet phenomenon and simultaneously reveals its national variants. It's a unique volume, of value to both student and teacher."--John Zysman, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley
"The scope of this book is breathtaking: while the conventional wisdom is that the Internet transcends borders and 'Americanizes' the world, this book takes a careful look at the Internet experience in many countries and punches gaping holes in that conventional wisdom. Carefully researched and highly readable, it is essential reading for business leaders, policymakers and academics grappling with the Internet's global reach. The book's broad vision and wisdom are a tribute to the many contributors, taking it several steps beyond the usual breathless treatment of the advent of the information age. Kudos all around!"--Gerald R. Faulhaber, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and former Chief Economist, Federal Communications Commission
"This collection examines the growth and diffusion of the Internet from the perspective of the national systems within which it developed. The book makes significant progress in developing this theme, and its lucidity and breadth are impressive."--Mark Casson, Professor of Economics, University of Reading
"An often brilliant exegesis of how postindustrial thinking has come to occupy the heartland of consciousness, and of the wrenching social consequences that have attended this transition. A book that is moving, as well as erudite."--Dan Schiller, Professor of Library and Information Science, Communication, and Media Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign