Platform-mediated network has received increasing attention from researchers and practitioners in recent years. The literature on this topic has been mainly derived from the model of two-sided network (2SN) where producers and consumers comprise the two sides and are considered the main user groups. Inadequacy, however, has been noticed where the two-sided network model cannot fully explicate the dynamics of platform competition. A more comprehensive model can help firms better understand the nature of platform competition so as to make informed decisions in this evolving landscape. By adding a higher dimension of “zone” to the existing “side” dimension, we propose a new two-zoned network (2ZN) model. A 2ZN consists of two 2SNs and the platform at the core functionally serves as a nexus connecting the two networks. In addition, we propose three properties of 2ZN (namely, zone parallelism, service diversity in the pay zone, and latent payment in the free zone) to help further explore two-zoned networks. For illustration purposes, four real business cases are identified, analyzed, and discussed to exhibit the applicability of the proposed 2ZN model. With additional insights into the structure and inner working of platform-mediated networks through the new 2ZN model, managers can make better-informed decisions to cope with platform competition. The case analysis and related discussion suggest promising opportunities for future research.

近年来，平台介导的网络越来越受到研究人员和从业者的关注。有关此主题的文献主要来自双面网络（2SN）模型，其中生产者和消费者组成了双方，被认为是主要的用户组。但是，在双向网络模型不能完全说明平台竞争动态的地方，已经注意到了不足之处。更加全面的模型可以帮助公司更好地了解平台竞争的性质，从而在不断发展的格局中做出明智的决策。通过在现有的“侧面”维度上添加更高的“区域”维度，我们提出了一种新的两区域网络（2ZN）模型。2ZN由两个2SN组成，核心平台在功能上充当连接两个网络的纽带。此外，我们提出2ZN的三个属性（即区域并行性，付费区域中的服务多样性和免费区域中的潜在支付），以帮助进一步探索两区域网络。出于说明目的，确定，分析和讨论了四个真实的业务案例，以展示所提出的2ZN模型的适用性。通过新的2ZN模型，对平台介导的网络的结构和内部工作有了更多的了解，管理者可以做出更明智的决策来应对平台竞争。案例分析和相关讨论为未来的研究提供了有希望的机会。并进行了讨论，以展示所提出的2ZN模型的适用性。通过新的2ZN模型，对平台介导的网络的结构和内部工作有了更多的了解，管理者可以做出更明智的决策来应对平台竞争。案例分析和相关讨论为未来的研究提供了有希望的机会。并进行了讨论，以展示所提出的2ZN模型的适用性。通过新的2ZN模型，对平台介导的网络的结构和内部工作有了更多的了解，管理者可以做出更明智的决策来应对平台竞争。案例分析和相关讨论为未来的研究提供了有希望的机会。