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The introduction of open source software (OSS) has changed the nature of Information Systems (IS) implementation; it has become individual-driven and community-based (Benkler, 2006; Lee & Cole, 2003). OSS implementation involves the participation of individuals from around the globe who make choices to volunteer their time, skill regardless of geography, organization, and time boundaries in a loosely coordinated organization. Developers and users plan, communicate, coordinate, and accomplish activities using the Internet (Benkler & Nissenbaum, 2006). Behind this organization is a strong belief in sharing and a keen sense of community. The main stream OSS production and use (and the very philosophy of OSS) support direct user-to-user interaction and assistance instead of intermediaries such as vendors (Lakhani & von Hippel, 2003; von Hippel & von Krogh, 2003). The copyleft license (Raymond, 2000) dictates disclosure of source code, offers users the right to study, modify, use, or distribute software, and reinforces open and distributed production and implementation processes.
Despite the opportunity OSS affords to DCs (Developing Countries) in increasing ICT (Information and Communications technology) utilization (Câmara & Fonseca, 2007; Li, Lin, & Xia, 2004), the IS literature (Heeks, 2002; Walsham, Robey, & Sahay, 2007) reveals the challenges of making use of ISs in DCs, especially those brought from abroad. The challenges emanate from the complexity of IS implementation and the need to harmonize the gap between worldview, assumption, objective, etc. embedded into systems and the use context. The use of ISs, be it proprietary or open source, require adaptation, changing organizational processes, integration, dealing with organizational and social effects of the change (Avgerou, 2003; Heeks, 2002; Orlikowski & Barley, 2001; Walsham, 1993). The process is situated and dynamic (Hanseth & Monteiro, 1997; Orlikowski, 1996).
In the use of backend applications, users themselves are technical and user-to-user interaction works well as it is like “scratching own itch” (Raymond, 2000, p. 4). Such technical interaction may not be possible in domain specific ISs or frontend applications as end users may not have the required technical expertise (Ducheneut, 2005). These systems require expertise that mediate users’ requirements, systems capabilities, and local circumstances with the assumptions and worldviews inscribed into the system. The OSS phenomenon also shifts the responsibility of implementation away from intermediaries, from those who developed expertise while implementing systems, to novice end users. The approach dictates users to manage and direct the actions and resources of loosely organized, globally distributed volunteers; contextualize and integrate software; and manage social, political, and organizational effects of the change.