Todays global and high-speed communication networks provide an open system environment which allows to access a nearly unlimited multitude of services at continuously decreasing communication costs. Advanced communication networks thus provide a powerful basis for realizing, e.g., world-wide distributed "Electronic Markets" with increasing similarity to real (i.e. economic) open service markets...

This article investigates the strategies of a data broker selling information to one or two competing firms. The combines segments consumer demand that allow firms third-degree price discriminate consumers. We show (1) sells on consumers with highest willingness pay; (2) keeps low pay unidentified. strategically chooses withhold soften competition between These results hold under first-degree d...