Applications or uses of a new technology or product that are so compelling that they persuade customers to adopt the new format or technology in droves, thereby eliminating demand for competing formats, are known as:

a. killer applications.

b. technological paradigm shifts.

c. razor and blade strategies.

d. first-movers.

The correct answer is letter "A": killer applications.

Explanation:

In consumer technology, killer applications is a term used to refer to those applications that cover needs so efficiently to cause their success and to wipe out of the market those applications replaced. Thus, while killer applications represent success for some entities it also represents the failure of others. However, a characteristic of killer application is their short product life cycles.