Platform Coring in the Browser Domain - An Exploratory Study

2019 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bender, Benedict; Thim, Christof; Linke, Felix

Abstract: Modern browsers are digital software platforms, as they allow third parties to e ... Expand

Abstract: Modern browsers are digital software platforms, as they allow third parties to extend functionality by providing extensions. In a highly competitive environment, differentiation through provided functionality is a key factor for browser platforms. As the development of browsers progress, new functions are constantly being released. Browsers could thus enter complementary markets by adding functionality previously provided by third-party extensions, which is referred to as ‘platform coring’. Previous studies have missed the perspective of the parties involved. To address this gap, we conducted interviews with third-party and core developers in the security and privacy domain from Firefox and Chrome. This study provides three contributions. First, insights into stakeholder-specific issues concerning coring. Second, measures to prevent coring. Third, strategical guidance for developers and owners. Third-party vendors experienced and core developers confirmed that coring occurs on browser platforms. While developers with extrinsic motivations assess coring negatively, developers with intrinsic motivations perceive coring positively. Collapse

Topics: privacy Google+ open source digital platform Tor browser

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative coding personal interview grounded theory theoretical contribution