These hybrid businesses are often referred to as "bricks and clicks", or "mouse-and-mortar" companies.

The Core Business Model was developed as a comprehensive eBusiness strategy model to overcome the limitations of the existing models. It focuses on the development of a sustainable, competitive advantage in the Internet economy. The model was the result of a study that was started because the current models don't appear to work in the new bricks and clicks or mouse and mortar models.

The model was researched and developed by a group of experts from the Government of Alberta, the University of Alberta, and a number of respected eBusiness practitioners such as Voxcom Security and Acton Consulting.

The development of the Core Business Model strategy will be explored in depth in this course.