{"id":25637,"date":"2026-03-03T22:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:43:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:43:27","slug":"digital-business-models","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Business Models"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"glossary-tldr\" style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong> Digital business models create, deliver, and capture value primarily through digital technologies and channels. They differ from traditional models through high scalability, low marginal costs, and the ability to operate <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">data-driven<\/a> value creation\u2014from <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">platforms<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">SaaS<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-powered-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI-powered services<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"glossary-toc\" style=\"background:#f9f9f9;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;\">\n<strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#definition\">Definition: What are digital business models?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#typen\">The most important types of digital business models<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#merkmale\">Characteristics and success factors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#beispiele\">Practical Examples by Industry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kmu\">Digital business models for SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#entwickeln\">How to develop a digital business model<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">Definition: What are digital business models?<\/h2>\n<p>Digital business models are business models in which value creation is largely based on digital technologies. Unlike the mere <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digitization<\/a> of existing processes, the focus is on fundamentally new ways of creating value for customers and generating revenue. <\/p>\n<p>Key characteristics of digital business models:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Digital value proposition:<\/strong> The core product or core service is delivered digitally or enabled digitally<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scalability:<\/strong> Growth without proportional resource effort\u2014an additional user costs almost nothing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Network effects:<\/strong> The value of the offering increases with the number of users<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Data centricity<\/a>:<\/strong> Data as a strategic resource for personalization, optimization, and new services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"typen\">The most important types of digital business models<\/h2>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Platform business models<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Intermediation between two or more user groups. The platform itself often owns no physical assets. Examples: Airbnb (accommodation), Uber (mobility), Amazon Marketplace (retail). Revenue via brokerage commissions, fees, or advertising.   <\/p>\n<h3>Software as a Service (SaaS)<\/h3>\n<p>Cloud-based software in a <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">subscription model<\/a>. Customers use the software via the browser; updates and hosting included. Examples: Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot. <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Revenue model<\/a>: Monthly or annual subscription.  <\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/freemium-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Freemium<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Free basic version with a premium upgrade. Large user base through free entry; monetization via conversion to the paid version. Examples: Spotify, Dropbox, LinkedIn.  <\/p>\n<h3>Data- and AI-based models<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Data-driven<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-powered-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI-powered business models<\/a> use data as a core resource: personalization, prediction, automation. Examples: recommendation engines, predictive maintenance, AI-powered consulting. <\/p>\n<h3>E-commerce &amp; D2C<\/h3>\n<p>Direct online sales to end customers, without intermediaries. Combined with <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">subscription models<\/a> (e.g., HelloFresh) or <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">marketplaces<\/a>. <\/p>\n<h3>Digital ecosystems<\/h3>\n<p>Connected products and services that form a comprehensive ecosystem. Customers are retained across multiple touchpoints. Examples: Apple (hardware + software + services), Amazon (store + AWS + Prime + Alexa).  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"merkmale\">Characteristics and success factors<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Customer-centric:<\/strong> Digital business models solve real customer problems better, faster, or more cost-effectively than alternatives\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">value proposition<\/a> is central<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data-driven:<\/strong> Continuous use of data to improve the offering and personalize it<\/li>\n<li><strong>Network effects:<\/strong> The more users, the more valuable the offering\u2014the key to exponential scaling<\/li>\n<li><strong>Low marginal costs:<\/strong> An additional user causes hardly any additional costs\u2014the basis for high margins<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agile development:<\/strong> Rapid iteration, data-based decisions, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-startup\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Lean Startup<\/a> principles<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lock-in effects:<\/strong> Switching costs for users increase due to data, habits, and integrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"beispiele\">Practical Examples by Industry<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Manufacturing &amp; mechanical engineering:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Servitization<\/a>\u2014machines as a service with predictive maintenance and a pay-per-use model<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consulting &amp; professional services:<\/strong> Online platforms for knowledge transfer, digital consulting products, membership models<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retail:<\/strong> Omnichannel commerce, marketplace models, subscription boxes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Real estate:<\/strong> PropTech platforms for rentals, digital property management, smart building services<\/li>\n<li><strong>Healthcare:<\/strong> Telemedicine, digital therapy apps, AI-powered diagnostics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kmu\">Digital business models for SMEs<\/h2>\n<p>Digital business models are not only for startups and large corporations. <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">SMEs<\/a>, too, can successfully build digital revenue streams: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Digitally extend existing strengths:<\/strong> Enhance your physical product with digital services (e.g., monitoring dashboard, configurator, customer portal)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monetize knowledge:<\/strong> Market industry expertise as an online course, consulting platform, or digital tool<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build direct sales:<\/strong> Complement or replace traditional sales channels with D2C channels<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use data:<\/strong> Leverage existing data for new services or better customer engagement<\/li>\n<li><strong>Introduce subscription models:<\/strong> Build recurring <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">revenue<\/a> through <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">subscription services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/glossar\/digitale-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Use no-code\/low-code<\/a>:<\/strong> Develop and test digital products without deep programming knowledge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"entwickeln\">How to develop a digital business model<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Identify the customer problem:<\/strong> Which problem of your <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/target-audience-analysis\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">target group<\/a> can you solve better digitally? (<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/jobs-to-be-done-jtbd\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Jobs to Be Done<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-patterns\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Analyze business model patterns<\/a>:<\/strong> Which digital patterns fit your industry and your strengths?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Design the value proposition:<\/strong> Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Value Proposition Canvas<\/a> to sharpen the digital offering<\/li>\n<li><strong>Map the business model on a canvas:<\/strong> Visualize the new model in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Canvas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Validate:<\/strong> Test assumptions with an <a href=\"\/glossar\/mvp-minimum-viable-product\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">MVP<\/a> and real customers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scale:<\/strong> Expand successful models and implement the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/go-to-market-strategy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">go-to-market strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"glossary-cta\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);padding:32px;border-radius:12px;margin:32px 0;color:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Develop a digital business model?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color:#f0f0f0;font-size:1.05em;\">We support you from the idea to a validated digital business model\u2014with proven methods and industry expertise.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#667eea;padding:14px 32px;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:8px;transition:transform 0.2s;\">Discover Our Services \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary-faq-accordion\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> What is a digital business model?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">A digital business model creates and delivers its core value primarily through digital technologies and channels. It is characterized by high scalability, low marginal costs, and often network effects. Typical forms include SaaS, platforms, freemium models, and data-based services.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> Can traditional companies also develop digital business models?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Yes\u2014and they should. Traditional companies often have advantages: existing customer relationships, industry knowledge, and data. The key is to build digital models initially as an add-on (e.g., digital services for the physical product) and then expand them step by step.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> Which digital business model is right for my SME?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">That depends on your industry and strengths. For service providers, SaaS or membership models are often suitable. For manufacturers, servitization (product + digital service) is promising. For retailers, marketplace or D2C models are a good fit. Start with an analysis of your business model patterns and customer needs.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> What are the biggest risks of digital business models?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">The most common risks are: lack of product\u2013market fit (the problem does not exist or the solution does not fit), customer acquisition costs that are too high, insufficient technical execution capability, and underestimating change management. Lean Startup methods help minimize these risks early on. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">How do digital business models scale differently than traditional ones?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">Digital business models typically have much lower marginal costs and can scale exponentially rather than linearly. While a traditional consulting firm needs to hire proportionally to grow revenue, a SaaS business can often serve 10x more customers with minimal additional cost. This creates powerful winner-takes-all dynamics but also means digital businesses require different metrics \u2013 focus on user acquisition costs, lifetime value, and retention rather than just revenue per employee.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Terms<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">Digital Transformation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\">Platform Business Model<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\">Subscription model<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/freemium-model\/\">Freemium Model<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">Data-Driven Business Models<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-powered-business-models\/\">AI-Powered Business Models<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\">Servitization<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\">Business Model Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\">Revenue Model<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-patterns\/\">Business model patterns<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key takeaways: Digital business models create, deliver, and capture value primarily through digital technologies and channels. They differ from traditional models through high scalability, low marginal costs, and the ability&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25637","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25637"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28301,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25637\/revisions\/28301"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}