In this paper we examine pricing imperfections in software companies by analyzing the case of Microsoft, and we uncover the presence of pervasive dead-weight losses derived from the inability of the producer to achieve first degree price discrimination. Because the nature of software is such that it can be reproduced an infinite number of times at practically zero cost once the first copy is manufactured, the amount of these losses in terms of efficiency can be substantial, which opens the door for external intervention in the market. We then study the case of duopoly and general competitive outcomes, and suggest simple policy rules to improve on the behaviour of the market, although the applicability may be limited to the theoretical realm, as it requires an omniscient regulator, and it can distort the incentives of private enterprise as a provider of software products.
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Publisher Info
Paper provided by University Library of Munich, Germany in its series MPRA Paper with number
14343.