For ECOtality's commercial charging stations, Sprint's data network will also help to process a variety of electronic payments, and even deliver digital content for advertising and information.

ENGADGET: ECOtality teams with Sprint to connect Blink EV charging network

As I wrote last June, its value chain let Dell set its costs 14% below those of competitors like Compaq (that HP bought in 2002) while charging companies a 13% higher price because of the convenience its online purchasing process gave companies who could order PCs configured for their specific requirements.

FORBES: As Corporate IT & iPad Demand Rise, Dell's Up, HP's Down