Babson Case Number: BAB114 | Length: 11 Pages

Abstract

As the new Millennium dawned, many ‘old economy’ companies faced the challenge of transitioning into the Internet era, making ‘Go Web or go dead’ the common mandate. For John Kilcullen, CEO and publisher of IDG Books, the Internet offered an opportunity to fashion a new business model based on recurring revenues rather than one-time transactions. Instead of just selling books, Kilcullen envisioned the IDG Web site as the locus of continuing education and information.

This case chronicles the evolution of the “Dummies” series of books within the structure of the huge IDG organization, offering insights and discussion on what it takes to foster a successful corporate entrepreneurial climate.