A primary study of perceived characteristics of innovations and intent to use open source software in business

This study of perceived characteristics of innovations (PCI) extends the research on the role of PCI and their place in the theory of Diffusion of Innovations. We found that PCI studies were conducted on innovations after they have been adopted. This being insufficient for theory testing, we constructed a hypothetical research model to study PCI before an information technology innovation is adopted, i.e. during pre-diffusion stage.; We use the PCI provided by Rogers (1983) relative advantage, compatibility, and ease of use, trailability and visibility and two additional characteristics provided by Moore & Benbasat (1991), result demonstration and voluntariness to be consistent with prior studies. We develop questions about social behavior regarding test innovation and present them along with the instrument developed for studying innovations by Moore & Benbasat (1991).; One thousand members of the World Wide Linux Users Groups were surveyed about their perceptions of Free or Open Source licensed software. One hundred and two surveys were completed and returned for a response rate of 10.2% An analysis of the survey showed that relative advantage and compatibility were the most reliable predictors of intention to use an information technology innovation in pre-diffusion stage.; These results were consistent with those of prior research. Therefore, it was concluded that PCI perform in a similar manner during pre-diffusion as well as during diffusion and post diffusion. This is strong empirical evidence for the support and usefulness of the theory of Diffusion of Innovations in information systems research.