A Study on the Competitive Structure and Business Models of MRO e-Marketplace

기업소모성자재(MRO) 관련 e-Marketplace의 경쟁구조와 비즈니스 모델에 관한 연구

B2B transaction was expected to dominate in the global market and thus many e-marketplaces have been built since 1999 in Korea. However, only a few e-marketplaces are thriving and the future of B2B e-marketplaces except MRO area seem to be uncertain. This paper explores why B2B transactions only in MRO area are rapidly increasing and examines the competing structure and business models of MRO e-marketplace. Business models of MRO e-marketplaces are various among different countries. However, they can be classified as three business models:information portal model, purchasing agent model, open market model. It is not easy to answer which business model is most competitive because each models have their own advantages and functions. Information portal model can be easily applied for the e-marketplace which operates off-line enterprises. Purchasing agent model is favorable to the e-marketplaces which has already obtained buyers and sellers. Open market model is desirable to the e-marketplace which has excess to global market.