Digital Capital: Harnessing the Power of Business Webs

AORN Journal, Sept, 2004 by Janice Davis

Digital Capital: Harnessing the Power of Business Webs

Don Tapscott, David Ticoll, and Alex Lowy 2000, 272 pp $27.50 hardback

The Internet has provided a place for businesses to come together with a speed and possibility for collaboration that never was possible before today's information age. Businesses use the Internet creatively to establish new paradigms for commerce and profit. Digital capital refers to intangible assets gained through knowledge and relationships. This is the currency of the future.

The authors studied hundreds of diverse business web sites and identified five types of contemporary business web site models for in-depth discussion, including agoras, aggregations, value chains, alliances, and distributive networks. These models are being used successfully in today's business world.

The authors discuss the key elements of each model, and many illustrative case studies are presented that demonstrate these business web site models in action. The models are distinguishable according to economic control and value integration, though subcategories of each can be identified. Introduction to the subject includes the evolution, structure, and characteristics of business web sites. The authors also discuss human and digital capital in this newly defined business world and a process for business web site design strategy.

The information is thorough and well researched, and the authors relate it in a logical format. The illustrations are enlightening and educational. Diagrams provide succinct summaries of the chapter content, and the index is easy to use. This book contains information that is timely and highly applicable to today's business environment.

Though the passage of time has negatively affected the economic stability of some of the businesses discussed in this book, the lessons are still significant in today's dynamic business environment. The Internet and the opportunity it presents for businesses are here to stay. Highly successful businesses will explore and apply the business web site strategies that best fit their corporate goals and bring enhanced value to their customers and increased wealth to their stockholders. Digital interconnectedness through business web sites has changed the face of business strategy forever.

This book is available from Harvard Business School Press, 60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163.

JANICE DAVIS

RN, MS, CNOR

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

CARDINAL HEALTH CONSULTING & SERVICES