Seeing eye to eye? An exploratory study of free open source software users’ perceptions

This study develops a typology that permits the classification of free open source software (FOSS) users into market segments. Based on the typology the nature and extent of perception differences between core FOSS users and FOSS users in other market segments is examined. Significant perception differences are observed between users in different market segments. Consequently, the potential barriers to FOSS adoption are identified and recommendations that may drive greater FOSS adoption are proposed.