AOL Goes Far East (Case #24, Notes)
Discussion Questions
1. Was Mitsui the best partner for AOL to enter the Japanese market? If so, why? If not, who (or what kind of company) would make a better partner?
2. Do you think the JV structure should continue into the foreseeable future?
3. What structural impediments did AOL face in the Japanese market that did not exist in the US market? What actions should AOL take to overcome these obstacles?
4. Make specific recommendations as to what you think AOL should do to capture additional markets share in each of the three areas mentioned: Lower the cost of ¥/new subscriber; capitalize on watershed events; buy other ISPs.
5. Now that AOL has partnered with NTT DoCoMo, will it be successful in Japan or is it too late?