Strategic business applications and new virtual knowledge‐based businesses through community‐based information networks

This article will point out that fully utilizing community‐based information networks based on multimedia digital networking IT (information technology) supports managerial speed and excellence, while making it possible to formulate a new, customer value creation business model. Aggressive IT investment by top management to build community‐based information networks, a support tool for this future network strategy, will permit business innovation based on strengthened competitiveness and enhanced customer service. This article describes some real examples of communities within companies, among companies, and between companies and their customers, using cases of companies currently making active use of community nets. Case studies of manufacturing companies demonstrate the value of community nets as a network strategy support tool that bolsters community management in companies. This article will also point out that community‐based information networks will become an important multimedia communication platform for the creation of new virtual, knowledge‐based businesses.