Developing a pattern for e-Business model typology: A study among Iranian e-SMEs

Researchers have studied various aspects of businesses including business model definitions, taxonomies, industry-specific business models, reference models and meta-models or ontologies. Few authors have focused on business model typologies. This study aims to examine different business models and typologies and introduce a new typology in small and medium sized e-businesses (e-SMEs) in Iran. In the first place, we review the literature in order to present a new typology of e-business model based on the strategic reference points. For the purpose of this research, 400 small and medium Iranian e-businesses participated in the study. Research data are analyzed using SPSS 16 and LISREL 8.5. Results show that strategic reference points of focus and control are effective factors in selecting e-business models.