French Lessons from the Minitel for the Internet: Making Electronic Commerce
WorkRoom 141 Uris Hall
Sponsored by the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information, Maison Francais, and CIBE/The Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business
As the Internet moves from an academic/government
communications system to an electronic bazaar and entertainment center,
governments around the world are realizing the value and power of electronic
communications and transactions. Yet, with all the promoted promise
of electronic commerce on the Internet, the reality is the electronic
transactions only account for a small percentage of the total.
To understand the economic barriers and political
obstacles facing the creation of an electronic commerce platform, we
have invited Marie-Monique Steckel, President of France Telecom North
America, to set a framework for discussion. Electronic commerce began
in France 15 years ago with the distribution of millions of free Minitel
terminals starting in 1983. Issues to be discussed include: In what
ways has the Minitel succeeded? Failed? How did the Minitel strategy
deal with both merchant and consumer needs? What have been the barriers
to electronic commerce in France? Is the Internet a threat or an aid
to the Minitel? What role should governments play in electronic commerce?
- Introduction: Eli Noam, Professor, Columbia Business School
- Presenter: Marie-Monique Steckel, President, France Telecom North America
- Discussants:
- Richard Field, Esq.
- Rajeev Kohli, Professor, Columbia Business School
- Stephen Messer, CEO, Linkshare Corp.
- Don Sussis, President, Interested, Inc.
