Host: The Japan Society for Management Information
This paper argues that a cross-platform strategy concerning rivalrous symbiosis in the computer platform. And the paper explores how a cross-platform layer builds symbiotic relationship and remains with the other complex products layers, from the four strategic points of view. The four points are as follows, 1: managing multi-homing cost, 2: leveraging network effects, 3: controlling profit model and 4: applying defensive plan. The analysis of JAVA and Google Apps & Document cases demonstrates the process of "Layer Intervention" overcoming the threat of "Envelopment" and building symbiotic relationship among complementary layers in the complex products. Consequently, the strategic guideline led by the four points has been summarized.
