The introduction of the internet originated not only the establishment of an alternative channel for the marketing and selling of products, but even more importantly, it serves as a platform to set up B-to-B E-marketplaces. This development enables buyers and sellers to innovate entire business processes. However, in order to gain sustainable and tangible success, a company needs to thoughtfully analyze the different concepts of B-to-B E-marketplaces as there are many examples where the introduction of such marketplaces had non-intended negative consequences.

Evi Hartmann discusses the following research questions: What is the relation between a given purchase situation and the characteristics of a B-to-B E-marketplace? Can a fit between the two be defined from a relationship perspective? How does the interplay between the purchase situation and the B-to-B E-marketplace characteristics influence the success of a supplier relationship? The author presents a theoretical framework, which has been empirically tested in the German chemical industry, illustrates the managerial implications and shows the necessity of future research.

Dr. Evi Hartmann promovierte bei Prof. Dr. Hans Georg Gemünden am Lehrstuhl Technologie- und Innovationsmanagement der Technischen Universität Berlin. Sie ist als Berater bei A.T. Kearney, einer weltweit führenden Managementberatung, tätig.