information rules: a strategic guide to the network economy by carl shapiro and hal r. varian. this book provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic aspects of the information economy, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the network economy. the authors explore various topics including pricing information, versioning information, rights management, lock-in, networks and positive feedback, cooperation and compatibility, standards wars, and information policy. the book is structured into ten chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of the information economy. the first chapter introduces the information economy, while the second chapter discusses pricing strategies in the information sector. the third chapter examines the concept of versioning information, and the fourth chapter explores rights management in the digital age. the fifth and sixth chapters focus on recognizing and managing lock-in, a phenomenon where users become dependent on a particular product or service. the seventh chapter discusses networks and positive feedback, while the eighth chapter addresses cooperation and compatibility in the information economy. the ninth chapter explores the concept of standards wars, and the tenth chapter discusses information policy. the book also includes a preface, further reading, notes, bibliography, and an index. the authors provide a strategic guide for understanding and navigating the complexities of the information economy, making this book an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of information technology and economics.information rules: a strategic guide to the network economy by carl shapiro and hal r. varian. this book provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic aspects of the information economy, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the network economy. the authors explore various topics including pricing information, versioning information, rights management, lock-in, networks and positive feedback, cooperation and compatibility, standards wars, and information policy. the book is structured into ten chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of the information economy. the first chapter introduces the information economy, while the second chapter discusses pricing strategies in the information sector. the third chapter examines the concept of versioning information, and the fourth chapter explores rights management in the digital age. the fifth and sixth chapters focus on recognizing and managing lock-in, a phenomenon where users become dependent on a particular product or service. the seventh chapter discusses networks and positive feedback, while the eighth chapter addresses cooperation and compatibility in the information economy. the ninth chapter explores the concept of standards wars, and the tenth chapter discusses information policy. the book also includes a preface, further reading, notes, bibliography, and an index. the authors provide a strategic guide for understanding and navigating the complexities of the information economy, making this book an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of information technology and economics.