Open Source Technologies

Authors

  • Hans W. Gottinger STRATEC Munich, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.47.2312

Keywords:

JEL Classification System, D23, D45, M15, O31, O34

Abstract

Abstract. We focus on a contestable market with network externalities with an incumbent and an entrant. The incumbent, unlike
the entrant, already has an installed base of consumers. We look at decision situations of firms regarding how proprietary they want
to make their technology , either through patent protection or through development in open source systems (OSS). We explicitly
model the direct and indirect effects of network externalities. For example, more software companies are willing to produce
programs for an operating system (OS) if it has a larger consumer base. This increased competition could lead to an improvement
of the quality of the OS. The model predicts that using open source technologies is likely to enhance the rate of R&D , and
consequently the quality of the product.. An incumbent that would choose this strategy is likely to deter entrance of a newcomer
because it can play out its advantage of a larger network.

Author Biography

Hans W. Gottinger, STRATEC Munich, Germany

www.hansgottinger.com

Downloads

Published

2017-04-09

How to Cite

Gottinger, H. W. (2017). Open Source Technologies. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 4(7). https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.47.2312