Acceptance of open source software : the context of Thailand

Abstract

Open Source Software (OSS), a computer software development model has existed since the late 1960s. The growth of OSS in recent years is most evident among organizations and users as it offers several advantages compared to proprietary software. OSS activity began in Thailand as early as in 1995 with various Linux distributions such as Kaiwal Linux, Burapha Linux, Linux School Internet Server (SIS), Linux Thai Language Extension (TLE). Although government efforts have been made to promote OSS in Thailand, many Thai users are still unaware of its impact and how it can improve their business. The benefits of using OSS such as lowering costs and improved access to software, adaptation to local needs,locally retaining a higher share of the value added and developing local skills is essentially critical to the economy. However, although there has been initiatives by the government and adoption by state agencies, very few studies have been conducted about OSS in Thailand and little of which is known to the international field of OSS. It is therefore interesting to understand the level of adoption made and what factors affect acceptance of the OSS. The study proposes a hybrid model combining the extended technology acceptance model (TAM2), the innovation diffusion theory (IDT), and software characteristics. Using AMOS, data collected were tested against the structural model. The implications of this study for researchers, policy makers and practitioners are discussed.