This article summarizes the PLATFORM strategy literature and

is organized around launch strategies, GOVERNANCE and

competition. A platform strategy is the mobilization of a

networked business platform to expand into and operate in

a given market. A business platform, in turn, is a nexus of

rules and infrastructure that facilitate interactions among

network users. Platforms provide building blocks that serve

as the foundation for complementary products and services.

They also match buyers with suppliers, who transact

directly with each other using system resources and are

generally subject to NETWORK EFFECTS.