Open Source and Business Model Innovation. The Funambol case

A comprehensive theoretical framework about open source business models is still missing, notwithstanding a growing number of contributions. This lack of literature is mainly due to the relative newness of the phenomena. This paper aims at giving a contribution to the ongoing discussion about open source business implications. The research hypothesis is that open source represents a disruptive innovation for the software industry. The purpose is to understand, through case study research, how open source companies can develop successful business models. Funambol provides an interesting example of an optimized business model, able to leverage the open source advantage in an emerging market. The paper is structured in three main parts: the first one aims at outlining the research hypothesis and methodology. The second part identifies the unique competitive factors distinguishing open source business and the main business implications. The final part focuses on the analys...