Open source software adoption by South African MSEs: barriers and enablers

  • Authors:
  • Jason Ellis;Jean-Paul Van Belle

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Cape Town, Rondebosch;University of Cape Town, Rondebosch

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2009 Annual Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers' Association
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

This paper explores the factors which influence the use of Open Source Software (OSS) by small and micro enterprises. OSS has been identified as a facilitator for small enterprises in emerging markets to implement an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure at reduced cost. However, its diffusion in South Africa has been rather slow. This research aims to highlight OSS adoption factors applicable to small enterprises. The Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework was used to guide the data analysis. This research also attempts to identify additional factors which are unique to the context of this research and evaluate their implication on the OSS adoption decision. Although there are many factors influencing the adoption decision by smaller enterprises, the lack of knowledge and exposure were fundamental to the slow diffusion of OSS. Factors contributing to this lack of product knowledge were the lack of OSS marketing and easily accessible OSS vendors.