The project will provide a cost- benefit analysis of the use of e-marketplaces. Focal points of the study will be the use by small and medium-sized enterprise and the use of reverse auctions. We will differentiate between different kinds of marketplaces from public exchanges to single firm portals. The study will conduct interviews in three countries: France, Germany and Italy. Project partners are Nomisma in Bologna and RCS Conseil in Paris. Ifo is co-ordinating the study.