Customer perceived value in the software business

This paper addresses customer perceived value in the context of high-technology industry, specifically in the software business. Customer perception of value is a complex phenomenon not only theoretically, but even more so in practice. We have chosen to examine this phenomenon in the specific context of the software business, as we believe that software as an object of exchange encourages fresh viewpoints owing to its abstract nature. Our study is exploratory in nature, with an empirical insight gained through two qualitative case studies from the software business. The conclusion presents elements of customer perceived value within both software project and product businesses. Based on the findings, we suggest a framework for examining the way business logic influences the customer's value perception, especially in terms of the complexity of the perception of both benefits and sacrifices.