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Product Complexity in the Adoption of User-Customized Systems

Author

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  • Gamharter, Benedikt
  • Koski, Heli
  • Kretschmer, Tobias

Abstract

We study firm-level adoption of packaged software products of almost 4,000 UK sites between 2000 and 2003. We consider all software used in a firm as its software product and categorize it into related, but distinct subsystems : the core subsystem (Operating Systems), and Desktop and En-terprise Applications, which we define as peripheral subsystems. Adoption is studied across those sub-systems. We find that larger firms tend to adopt and switch subsystems more often. We further consider three factors that may affect the adoption decision : product complexity, architectural innovation and competency scale. The complexity of existing peripheral sub-systems hinders switching with the exception of the UNIX operating system that becomes a more likely choice for firms with complex IT systems. UNIX OS is also adopted more often by firms with higher IT competency. Further, earlier generational expansion of peripheral subsystems generally decreases the likelihood of further adoptions. Architectural changes hinders adoption of some, but not all software applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Gamharter, Benedikt & Koski, Heli & Kretschmer, Tobias, 2009. "Product Complexity in the Adoption of User-Customized Systems," Discussion Papers 1201, The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy.
    • Handle: RePEc:rif:dpaper:1201
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    software; diffusion; innovation; system products;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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