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“Lock-In and Unobserved Preferences in Server Operating System Adoption: A Case of Linux vs. Windows"

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Abstract

This paper attempts to distinguish state dependence (or lock-in) from unobserved preferences in the decision to adopt Linux or Windows as the operating system for computer servers. To this end, we use detailed survey data of over 100,000 establishments in the United States. Without accounting for unobserved heterogeneity in establishment-specific preferences for operating systems, we find a strong positive correlation between the current choice and the previous choice, suggesting potentially high switching costs and lock-in. To account for unobserved preferences for either operating system, we impose weak identifying assumptions and employ recently developed dynamic discrete choice panel data methods (Arellano and Carrasco 2003). The results show little or no evidence of state dependence, implying that unobserved preferences, rather than switching costs and lock-in, are more important factors in the adoption decision. Once taste heterogeneity is taken into account, we additionally find little evidence of network effects between server operating systems and non-server operating systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Seung-Hyun Hong & Leonardo Rezende, 2007. "“Lock-In and Unobserved Preferences in Server Operating System Adoption: A Case of Linux vs. Windows"," Working Papers 07-05, NET Institute.
  • Handle: RePEc:net:wpaper:0705
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    1. Jeffrey M. Wooldridge, 2005. "Simple solutions to the initial conditions problem in dynamic, nonlinear panel data models with unobserved heterogeneity," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(1), pages 39-54, January.
    2. Timothy F. Bresnahan & Erik Brynjolfsson & Lorin M. Hitt, 2002. "Information Technology, Workplace Organization, and the Demand for Skilled Labor: Firm-Level Evidence," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 117(1), pages 339-376.
    3. Arellano, Manuel & Carrasco, Raquel, 2003. "Binary choice panel data models with predetermined variables," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 115(1), pages 125-157, July.
    4. Shane M. Greenstein, 1993. "Did Installed Base Given an Incumbent Any (Measurable) Advantages in Federal Computer Procurement?," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 24(1), pages 19-39, Spring.
    5. Arellano, Manuel, 2003. "Panel Data Econometrics," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199245291, Decembrie.
    6. Bo E. Honoré & Ekaterini Kyriazidou, 2000. "Panel Data Discrete Choice Models with Lagged Dependent Variables," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 68(4), pages 839-874, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jay Pil Choi & Seung-Hyun Hong & Seonghoon Jeon, 2013. "Local Identity and Persistent Leadership in Market Share Dynamics: Evidence from Deregulation in the Korean Soju Industry," Korean Economic Review, Korean Economic Association, vol. 29, pages 267-304.
    2. George Deltas & Seung-Hyun Hong, 2009. "Heterogeneity and Information Spillovers in Web Service Sourcing," Working Papers 09-20, NET Institute, revised Sep 2009.

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