Do We Need a “Real” Taxonomy of e-Business Models?

The terms typology and taxonomy are used interchangeably in the electronic commerce literature when referring to business model classification schemes. This paper identifies the business model classification schemes present in the electronic commerce literature along with the criteria by which the business models are classified. Drawing on the broader classification literature, the utility of these classifications is examined and a distinction is made between typologies and taxonomies. The utility of typologies is examined and a case for the development of a general taxonomy of business models is presented.