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Does a Platform Monopolist Want Competition?

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Author Info
Andras Niedermayer

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Abstract

We consider a software vendor first selling a monopoly platform and then an application running on this platform. He may face competition by an entrant in the applications market. The platform monopolist can benefit from competition for three reasons. First, his profits from the platform increase. Second, competition serves as a credible commitment to lower prices for applications. Third, higher expected product diversity may lead to higher demand for his application. Results carry over to non-software platforms and, partially, to upstream and downstream firms. The model also explains why Microsoft Office is priced significantly higher than Microsoft's operating system.

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Paper provided by Universitaet Bern, Departement Volkswirtschaft in its series Diskussionsschriften with number dp0604.

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Date of creation: Dec 2006
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Handle: RePEc:ube:dpvwib:dp0604

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Related research
Keywords: Platforms entry complementary goods price commitment product diversity Microsoft vertical integration two-sided markets

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
D41 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure and Pricing - - - Perfect Competition
D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure and Pricing - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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References listed on IDEAS
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  1. Volker Nocke & Martin Peitz & Konrad Stahl, 2004. "Platform Ownership," Discussion Papers 16, SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, University of Munich. [Downloadable!]
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  2. Nicholas Economides & Brian Viard, 2004. "Pricing of Complementary Goods and Network Effects," Industrial Organization 0407005, EconWPA. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
  3. ROCHET, Jean-Charles & TIROLE, Jean, 2003. "Platform Competition in Two-Sided Markets," IDEI Working Papers 152, Institut d'Économie Industrielle (IDEI), Toulouse. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
  4. Caillaud, Bernard & Jullien, Bruno, 2003. " Chicken & Egg: Competition among Intermediation Service Providers," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 34(2), pages 309-28, Summer.
  5. Simon Loertscher & Yves Schneider, 2005. "Switching Costs, Firm Size, and Market Structure," Working Papers 0508, University of Zurich, Socioeconomic Institute. [Downloadable!]
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  6. Besen, Stanley M & Farrell, Joseph, 1994. "Choosing How to Compete: Strategies and Tactics in Standardization," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 8(2), pages 117-31, Spring. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. David S. Evans & Andrei Hagiu & Richard Schmalensee, 2004. "A Survey Of The Economic Role Of Software Platforms In Computer - Based Industries," Discussion papers 04032, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI). [Downloadable!]
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  8. Beggs, Alan W, 1994. "Mergers and Malls," Journal of Industrial Economics, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(4), pages 419-28, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  9. Economides, Nicholas, 1996. "Network externalities, complementarities, and invitations to enter," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 12(2), pages 211-233, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  10. Mark Armstrong, 2005. "Competition in Two-Sided Markets," Industrial Organization 0505009, EconWPA. [Downloadable!]
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  11. Geoffrey G. Parker & Marshall W. Van Alstyne, 2000. "Information Complements, Substitutes, and Strategic Product Design," William Davidson Institute Working Papers Series 299, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross Business School. [Downloadable!]
  12. Farrell, Joseph & Gallini, Nancy T, 1988. "Second-Sourcing as a Commitment: Monopoly Incentives to Attract Competition," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, MIT Press, vol. 103(4), pages 673-94, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
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