The text discusses the pros and cons of pipeline businesses and platform businesses. Several examples of new platform businesses are mentioned (Uber, Airbnb, Facebook, and Alibaba, for example). Yet it is noted that these multi-sided markets have actually been around much longer.

1. What are some of the biggest differences in the historical way to view platform markets and the more modern business incarnation?
2. In your group, discuss a company that could be moving toward a platform business or a new firm that is developing as a platform. Sketch out a business model for this firm and the network loop it could be utilizing to drive demand.
3. Can you identify a pipeline business that is likely to be disrupted by the firm you discussed in question 2 above? What could this pipeline business do to improve its long-term viability?