Business modeling in the software industry: Conceptual design of an assistance system

Abstract

The choice of the right business model has proven to be a critical success factor for enterprises in the software industry. This paper presents the design of an assistance system for a standardized construction of business models for software producing companies. The system helps software companies to determine their business model by using predefined building blocks. The structured methodology enables companies to build their business model. Moreover, it enables them to estimate the impact of changes within one business model element on the other elements of the business model by following recommendations within the process of business model adaptatins. The prototype aims at providing decision makers a tool which supports the design of business models and the consideration of existing interrelations between the elements of a business model. An interface to a process modelling tool allows considering implications of business model modifications on the business model’s underlying business processes and value chains.