A model of Internet standards adoption: the case of IPv6
Hovav, Anat anat@temple.edu
Patnayakuni, Ravi r.patnayakuni@uah.edu
Schuff, David David.Schuff@temple.edu
Information Systems Journal; July 2004, Vol. 14 Issue 3, p265-294
Abstract
The Internet presents a unique environment in
which to study adoption. This is because of its composition of autonomous
entities that are otherwise strongly interrelated. Our model of Internet
standards adoption (ISA) combines diffusion of innovation and economics of
adoption literature to present an integrative model. This model proposes that
the adoption of Internet-based standards is dependent upon two dimensions: the
usefulness of the features to the potential adopter, and the conduciveness of
the environment to adoption of the standard. This model accounts for not only
the traditional dichotomous view of adoption, but also includes the notion of
‘partial adoption’, where both old and new standards can coexist for extended
periods of time. As a demonstration, we apply the ISA model to the next
generation Internet protocol Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Despite its
ostensible superiority, IPv6 has not been widely adopted. In this paper we
discuss the reasons why this might be the case. Our analysis also draws wider
conclusions about the adoption of Internet standards: in particular, the
importance of transitional technologies between the old and new standards and
the need for co-ordinated government polices which
encourage adoption. Our analysis also indicates that geopolitical boundaries
may have a considerable impact on the adoption of Internet standards.