International Software Product Development for World Markets in a Software Start-up

This study investigates software companies’ international software development approaches for world markets. It has been conducted by a) analyzing the resource-based theory and cooperation and network theories, b) reviewing the literature in the field of international software product development for world markets, c) performing a case analysis of a software startup company’s international software product development for world markets, and d) interviewing experts and practitioners in the field of international software product development. This study contributes both in terms of theory and practice. At the theoretical level, the study introduces a framework of international software product development for world markets. It can be used as a basis for further research. This study presents an empirical case analysis of international software product development of a start-up company, which is using innovative technologies and a holistic approach to develop software for wireless telecommunications industry. Their software product development spreads over two continents (i.e., USA and India) and targets world markets from the outset. At the practical level, the research results will help small software companies to avoid the problems and obtain benefits from international software product development. This study also suggests directions for future research.