Software Libre, Piratería y Cultura de TI en México

This research in progress analyzes the use of open-source software as a potential alternate path to applications piracy that affects so much the Mexican region, causing economic losses in millions and severe damages to national morality. We propose a determination model where the lack of information technology use culture, along with the high costs associated to commercial applications, fosters the generation of a black market for pirate software. Due to the cognitive dissonance generated, values tend to relax making piracy acceptable or, in the worst cases, an encouragement to act against the great producers of technology in the world. The open-source software alternative provides a possibility for the competitive development of firms, without breaking the law, and promoting a cooperative spirit rarely observed in the business context of Latin American cultures. A perception analysis through a cross-sectional survey study is proposed. We expect to gain valuable insights for the establishment of awareness-building programs in the industry sector regarding the use and benefits of information technologies.