Using open source software to develop E-business applications for medium- and small-sized enterprises

The study deals with the adoption of e-business technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal of the dissertation is to point out existing barriers, which are responsible for the still hesitant entrance of SMEs into the field of e-business, and to present solution approaches with which these obstacles can be eliminated. In this connection, simplified procedures are presented which make it possible for SMEs to develop an individual e-business strategy in a independent an efficient way. Another focus is to investigate the use of open source software instead of commercial software products to realize e-business projects. It is examined in particular as with the adoption of OSS the entrance into e-business can be facilitated for SMEs. With regard to the realization of e-business initiatives in small enterprises, the chances and risks as well as the general legal conditions and the cost saving potentials of OSS are considered. The use of e-business technologies will become increasingly a more important business objective for enterprises due to the preceding globalization of the markets. Particularly SMEs should not miss the chances of e-business since they will otherwise not keep with competitors in the long term.