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Hal R. Varian. Networks Experiment. Color fax machine. You have a new technology for color fax machines Have licensed it to many sellers Technology can only be used by sender if receiver has color fax machine
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Hal R. Varian Networks Experiment SIMS
SIMS Color fax machine • You have a new technology for color fax machines • Have licensed it to many sellers • Technology can only be used by sender if receiver has color fax machine • So there is a strong network effect---value to user of technology depends on number of adopters
SIMS Setup of experiment • Your card shows the value v of the color fax machine to you if you adopt (standalone value) • If n people adopt (including you), your value is nv • I will write the cost of the fax machine on the board • You adopt the technology by standing up • Adopt (stand up) when the value of the fax machine to you is greater or equal to the cost on the board (will depend on number standing).
SIMS Do it! • Run the experiment
SIMS Analysis • Standalone values were 10,9,8,…,1 • vn = p : marginal user wants to adopt • n=10-v :everyone with value greater than or equal to that of marginal user adopts • Combine to give demand=supply condition • If n=10-v then v = 10 – n, substitute in vn = p to get equilibrium condition (10-n)n=p determining n • At n* “value to marginal adopter = cost of adoption” • Takeoff occurs when p = 9 = value if there is 1 adopter = (10-1) x 1 = 9
SIMS Demand and supply P = 9
SIMS Extensions • Give away some units early (penetration pricing) • Competing technologies (winner take all) • Two-sided network effects (DVDs, payment system, market)