The networked world of business has given rise to several super giants such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and Airbnb. Yet the network is more than just pipes and wires, but instead includes non- physical platforms such as Cloud, IoT and Big Data. The entire disruption that has already occurred with more to happen is primarily due to the networked nature of the world. As the Metcalfe Law states, connected devices exponentially raise the value of the device without actually enhancing the product. The likes of Airbnb or Amazon would not have disrupted their respective industries had it not been for the presence of Group Forming Networks (GFNs). Where traditional industries scaled linearly, disruptive ones go exponential. Gone is the time when value was created for the customer. Now the customer co-creates the product with the organization.

source:http://www.networkworld.com/article/3128366/lan-wan/the-network-effect-on-wealth-creation.html