Software platforms are a critical component of the computer systems underpinning leading-edge products ranging from third-generation mobile phones to video games. After describing some key economic features of computer systems and software platforms, the paper presents case studies of personal...

v. 2. pt. 3. Empirical methods and results. Inter-industry studies of structure and performance / Richard Schmalensee -- Empirical studies of industries with market power / Timothy F. Bresnahan -- Empirical studies of innovation and market structure / Wesley M. Cohen and Richard C. Levin -- An...

v. 1. pt. 1. Determinants of firm and market organization. Technological determinants of firm and industry structure / John C. Panzar -- The theory of the firm / Bengt R. Holmstrom and Jean Tirole -- Transaction cost economics / Oliver E. Williamson -- Vertical integration : determinants and...

In a typical bank credit card transaction, the merchant's bank pays an interchange fee, collectively determined by all participating banks, to the cardholder's bank. This paper shows how the interchange fee balances charges between cardholders and merchants under imperfect competition. The...