Article Abstract

	Title:	Understanding ICT-based business models in developing countries
	Author:	Alexander Osterwalder
	Address:	Haute Ecole des Etudes Commerciales HEC, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
	Journal:	International Journal of Information Technology and Management 2004 - Vol. 3, No.2/3/4  pp. 333 - 348
	Abstract:	It is an essential issue to show how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro enterprises in developing countries can profit from the opportunities presented through the use of information and communication technologies ICTs. This fosters development and helps narrowing the digital divide. The paper presents a business model framework that helps analysing ICT-based business models and illustrates it through the Village Phone Program of the telecommunication operator Grameen Phone in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the paper proposes a so-called business model handbook to improve knowledge transfer related to ICT-based business models.
	Keywords:	business models; electronic business; developing countries; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; business model handbook; Grameen phone; Village Phone Program; micro enterprises; ICT; information technology; communications; Bangladesh; knowledge transfer.
	DOI:	10.1504/IJITM.2004.005042
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