Attract Quote by Alvin E. Roth
““As with other kinds of markets, popular operating systems quickly get more and more popular, as they attract both new buyers and new sellers. In time, they become de facto industry standards—meaning they essentially establish a marketplace in which products (new applications) can be sold. Once this happens, they can, at least for a time, so completely dominate their markets that competing operating systems can’t attract enough users and developers to be anything but niche offerings.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Markets and Platforms, Alvin E. Roth, 2020
Operating systems that attract many users and developers become self‑reinforcing standards, making rivals niche.
In simple terms: Popular platforms become standards, squeezing out competition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize network effects in tech markets.
Themes
technology
network effects
market dynamics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
strategic
When to use this quote
- software development
- business strategy
- antitrust policy
Key Concepts
economics
platform strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- What can new entrants do to break a platform monopoly?
- How do network effects impact consumer welfare?
A Different Perspective
Dominance can stifle innovation and choice.
![“Thus even as servers die or are put to sleep, even as operating systems come and go, I can carry the work forward-despite all of the progress around me. [...] But really, no complaints-it's fun to wander around in the middle of so much waste and progress, and I'd rather be here than anywhere. You…” quote by Paul Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ca0/paul-ford-50002_comes-and-goes_thus-even-as-servers-die-or-are-put-to-s_409754.jpg)
