Factors for winning format battles: A comparative case study

Abstract

The outcome of battles between competing interface formats shapes technology fields and implies success or failure for the companies involved. Recently, this journal published a paper, which proposes a new framework of factors that impact the outcome of such battles. We apply this framework to three format battles: for wired connectivity in home applications, for wireless connectivity in home applications, and for multi-channel sound. The framework appears to be more complete than earlier frameworks, and therefore provides a better understanding of interface format battles. Firms can use this framework to make more accurate forecasts about the winner, if any, of a format battle, and can adjust their strategies by exploiting certain factors to enhance their chances of success.