Publications

February 1995 (Revised October 1995)
Case

Doing Business in a Distributed World: Clients, Servers, and the Stuff in Between

By: Lynda M. Applegate and Geoffrey Bock

Examines business computing as it is evolving in the 1990s. Compares the highly centralized and tightly controlled systems of the past with today's flexible, networked, client/server technology. Serves as an introduction to client/server terminology and technology. View Details

Keywords: Information Infrastructure; Information Technology; Performance Improvement; Transformation; Technological Innovation; Business Strategy; Adoption; Information Technology Industry

March 2005
Background Note

Home Video Games: Generation Seven

By: Elie Ofek

Discusses the issues facing firms in the seventh generation of home video game platforms. In particular, Sony and Microsoft plan to launch new game consoles in the 2005 to 2006 time frame. Each firm seems to be following a different strategy. Microsoft wants to launch... View Details

Keywords: Marketing Strategy; Competitive Strategy; Technological Innovation; Information Infrastructure; Applications and Software; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Information Technology Industry

September 2004 (Revised January 2005)
Case

IBM: Ordering Midrange Computers in Europe

IBM Europe is trying to expand business-to-business (B2B) efforts with its large distributors of midrange systems. These efforts aim to automate many transactions and business processes, removing the need for human involvement. IBM has completed an initial project with... View Details

Keywords: Customer Relationship Management; Information Technology; Information Infrastructure; Marketing Channels; Distribution Channels; Information Technology Industry; Computer Industry; Germany; United States

Web

Transportation - Business & Environment

that are driving emission increases. Infrastructure investments would enable shifts to less energy-intensive modes, including walking, cycling, micromobility options (e-scooters and e-bikes), and public transit. [41] Spotlights Stephanie... View Details

01 Jul 2013
News

The Nature of Business

investment opportunities. "Investing in nature can produce very attractive business returns," said Tercek. "Compared with manmade solutions, natural infrastructure often works better, costs less, and appreciates in value over time. And it... View Details

Keywords: Jill Radsken; Social Assistance; Health, Social Assistance

01 Apr 2001
News

Ed Tian: Boardroom Revolutionary

network — not just the backbone, but the access, too. The Internet right now runs too slowly, which is why building a new infrastructure is so critical.” That mission won’t be easy. For one thing, innovative and entrepreneurial business... View Details

Keywords: Alejandro Reyes; Telecommunications; Information

02 Sep 2014
First Look

First Look: September 2

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/download.aspx?name=15-010.pdf Cases & Course Materials Harvard Business School Case 214-083 An Overview of Project Finance and Infrastructure Finance-2014 Update Provides an introduction to the... View Details

Keywords: Sean Silverthorne

Profile

Jenny Tison

HBS has helped me to express cogent opinions fast, and back them persuasively.” Infrastructure of leadership In the Rwanda IXP, Jenny worked within a team of six HBS students “to help farmers grow chili peppers as an alternative cash crop... View Details

25 Aug 2015
News

Sunset in the East?

the medium term, to this government manipulation other than investor psychology? —Jim Daley (MBA 1986) KIRBY: Investor psychology probably is the biggest risk, but another is an overreliance on hard infrastructure investments (roads,... View Details

Keywords: Administration of Economic Programs; Government; Real Estate; Health, Social Assistance

25 Sep 2006
Research & Ideas

How Software Platforms Revolutionize Business

springboards that allow specialized producers to leverage their infrastructure and create new innovations and by bringing digital technology to a wide variety of sectors and users, again by providing flexible View Details

Keywords: by Sean Silverthorne; Video Game; Web Services

Career Coach

Jessica Mbaeliachi

East and Turkey, based in the UAE. In this role she was responsible for launching innovative care delivery methods, and building long-term partnerships with an ecosystem of healthcare providers, investors and infrastructure developers.... View Details

Keywords: Emerging Markets; Health Care

March 2016 (Revised September 2021)
Case

South Africa: A Fractured Rainbow?

By: Richard H.K. Vietor and Haviland Sheldahl-Thomason

Twenty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa's democracy persists, albeit with problems. A tripartite coalition — the African National Congress, the labor unions, and the Communist Party — still controls the political system but with diminishing economic... View Details

Keywords: Politics; Development; Productivity; Labor; Labor Unions; Infrastructure; Government and Politics; Economic Growth; Performance Productivity; Economy; Social Issues; South Africa