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Why do users choose Open Source software? Analysis of the network effect

Author

Listed:
  • Dorota Celińska

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

  • Mirosława Lasek

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

Abstract

This article analyses the phenomenon of using the Open Source software. Its aim is to verify the existence of a positive direct network effect that characterizes using of the Open Source software. The multivariate probit model is used to extract factors motivating users to the usage of the Open Source software. Special attention is paid to demographic characteristics of users, as well as to the impact of users' acquaintances, such as family, work and school on using the Open Source software. The results of the conducted analysis confirm our research.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorota Celińska & Mirosława Lasek, 2015. "Why do users choose Open Source software? Analysis of the network effect," Working Papers 2015-05, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
    • Handle: RePEc:war:wpaper:2015-05
    as

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    File URL: http://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/index.php/download_file/1489/
    File Function: First version, 2015
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Josh Lerner, 2005. "The Scope of Open Source Licensing," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 21(1), pages 20-56, April.
    2. Ravi Sen, 2006. "Open Source Software Development Projects: Determinants of Project Popularity," EERI Research Paper Series EERI_RP_2006_02, Economics and Econometrics Research Institute (EERI), Brussels.
    3. Koski, Heli, 2007. "Private-collective Software Business Models: Cordinatitons and Commercialization via Licensing," Discussion Papers 1091, The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy.
    4. Krishnamurthy, Sandeep & Ou, Shaosong & Tripathi, Arvind K., 2014. "Acceptance of monetary rewards in open source software development," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 632-644.
    5. Bonaccorsi, Andrea & Rossi, Cristina, 2003. "Why Open Source software can succeed," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(7), pages 1243-1258, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Dorota Celińska, 2016. "Who is forked on GitHub? Collaboration among Open Source developers," Working Papers 2016-15, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Open Source; software; source code; end user characteristics; network effect; multivariate probit; motivation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L17 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Open Source Products and Markets
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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