Publications
Publications
- July 2011 (Revised September 2011)
- HBS Case Collection
Game Time Decision for AppDirect
By: Andrei Hagiu, Laura Arjona and Emily Zhang
Abstract
AppDirect is a start-up that offers small businesses software-as-a-service solutions through a business app marketplace and portal. Daniel Saks, co-founder and co-CEO, is faced with the key question of deciding distribution strategy: should AppDirect find channel partners or create a self-branded platform? The case describes the evolving business app market by analyzing the strategies and business models of competitors for both the marketplace and portal products. The marketplace offers small businesses search, trial and purchase of software-as-a-service apps for a wide range of business needs from customer management to human resources while the portal service gives businesses the ability to manage all their apps in one place from user management to single sign-on. The case encourages discussion on the evolution and future direction of this nascent market.
Keywords
Digital Platforms; Distribution; Applications and Software; Innovation Strategy; Entrepreneurship; Business Growth and Maturation; Competitive Strategy; Information Technology Industry; United States
Citation
Hagiu, Andrei, Laura Arjona, and Emily Zhang. "Game Time Decision for AppDirect." Harvard Business School Case 712-410, July 2011. (Revised September 2011.)