Description: In 2005, China administered a spelling test that asked respondents to spell “Google” for a search market report: only 60 percent took the test and more than 20 percent got it wrong. Four years later, Google Inc (GOOG.O), whose whimsical name is synonymous with Internet search in much of the world, is still struggling for recognition in China, the world’s largest Internet market by users where local rival Baidu Inc (BIDU.O) dominates.

Source: Reuters.com

Date: 11/10/2009

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5A95HL20091110

Questions for discussion:

• Why has Google had trouble developing market share in China?
• What would you recommend management do to improve success?
• What lessons learned in the Chinese market do you believe apply to other markets in the world? Explain your answer.

Description: The founders of Skype agreed to join the investor group buying the Internet-calling service from EBay Inc. and to drop litigation that had threatened to shut down the company.

Source: Bloomberg.com

Date: 11/06/2009

Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=armXJAA3nReg

Questions for discussion: 

• Do you think Skype should be managed independently of EBay or as a part of it?  Explain your answer.
• Do you think Skype can maintain its competitive advantage in the marketplace? Explain your answer.
• What other collaborative applications could be developed for Skype, such as the connection with EBay?