| Summary: | This paper examines the development of web aggregators, entities that collect
information from a wide range of sources, with or without prior arrangements, and add
value through post-aggregation services. New Web-page extraction tools, context
sensitive mediators, and agent technologies have greatly reduced the barriers to
constructing aggregators. We predict that aggregators will soon emerge in industries
where they were not formerly present. Through studying over a hundred existing and
emerging aggregators, we present a model for understanding the aggregator's strategic
interaction with existing organizations. We also suggest different ways that businesses
can take advantage of the new opportunities presented. Finally, we provide valuable
insights to all organizations concerning the issues, impacts, and actions required as
aggregators become increasingly present.
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