The Value-Generating Process In Open Source Systems

The present work explains a conceptual framework to analyze the utility produced in the valuegenerating process in open source systems as a result of activities performed by software developers and the proactive role of service providers (we refer to software firm that engage software developers to enhance their proprietary software). The paper analyzes the marketing implications that follow from the pivotal role of developers and service providers in a technology-based service as open source systems. The paper, thus, builds on an analysis in service marketing research focused on the customer-supplier interactions and value creation. In this paper, it is concluded that while open source literature has over the years focused little attention on the role assumed by the service providers, they can play a key role in the OSS valuegenerating process by delivering a highly innovative offering. The limitations of this work stem from the fact that it is a conceptual study, though this could be overcome by carrying out a field survey more extended. The paper develop, within the context of service logic, a conceptual framework to understand and better measure the utility produced in the value-generating process of a technology-based service as a result of activities performed by OSS developers.