Webkit is an Open Source web browser engine for rendering web pages using Javascript, HTML and CSS. These languages are used to create the front-end interfaces of web applications. The Webkit engine is used in (among others) Google Chrome and Apple Safari and their mobile variants (Bright, 2013). Webkit allows for more advanced rendering of Javascript and CSS elements than other browser engines (although, over the years browsers such as Internet Explorer have caught up). Webkit has been the driving force behind improving internet browsing on mobile devices. Even though Qualcomm is not directly benefiting from their involvement with Webkit, it is part of their effort to improve the usability of mobile devices:
“Mobile browsing has become a key application offering users access from almost anywhere key services and applications on the Web. However, until recently, browsers have been optimized primarily for PCs” (Bapts, 2010).
By creating a richer browsing experience on smartphones users have started to consume more data, and have come to require stronger processors. This change has resulted in an increasing demand for Qualcomm’s chipsets.
Openness, design paradigm and appropriability regime
The front-end languages rendered by Webkit are defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The W3C has implemented five principles of openness in their proceedings describing key aspects such as due process, consensus building, transparency, and commitments under FRAND conditions. However, the W3C patent policy is based on royalty free commitment and a permissive copyright license. Overall the W3C scores 12 out of 13 points on openness.
The front-end languages are the dominant design. In earlier web development there was competition from Flash, Shockwave and Microsoft Silverlight, but with the introduction of HTML 5 and CSS 3 in 201x these technologies have been replaced completely by HTML/CSS/Javascript. However, there are different competing browser engines besides Webkit.
The IPR policy of the W3C enforces a royalty-free and permissive license for their standards. Moreover, computer languages are considered an abstract idea that cannot be patented. Hence the appropriability regime for these standards is open.
Complementary assets and appropriation profile
While Qualcomm is contributing to Webkit, it has not created any specific specialized assets to bring the technology to the market. Webkit is not mobile specific, and it not directly dependent on the chipsets created by Qualcomm. Additionally, while Webkit browsers are an addition to the mobile experience, they are not a prerequisite and alternatives are available. Moreover, Qualcomm is not involved with any actual browsers or other applications depending on Webkit. Therefore it can be concluded that the firm does not own any SCA’s.
Qualcomm has a defensive profile for Webkit, as mentioned in the previous section, in many cases the programming languages and their interpreter are to abstract to be patented, and the W3C’s IPR policy does not allow for rent-seeking on any patents on contributions to the standard. Hence there is no possibility for Qualcomm to create valuable patents and exploit an offensive position.
Resource Characteristics
Value and Rareness
Before webkit creating mobile-friendly websites was not really possible and many website features that would work on a normal computer did not work on mobile devices during the first years. Webkit was responsible for bridging the gap between browsing on a computer and browsing on a mobile device and Qualcomm placed high value on this development for two reasons (Bapts, 2010):
1) An increased experience in mobile browsing and internet use would stimulate demand for faster and more stable wireless mobile broadband connections such as 3G and 4G.
2) An increased visual quality of apps and browsing would generate more interest in smartphones and by proxy increase demand for Qualcomm's chipsets.
Webkit is primarily of complementary value to Qualcomm. The main reason for the company to contribute is to improve the web browsers on mobile devices. By creating a mobile web browsing experience that is very similar to browsing on a computer these devices need increasing processing power and internet speeds. Qualcomm is one of the largest suppliers of mobile chipsets and as such will profit from an increased demand for faster chips.
Inimitability and Non-substitutability
Due to the open nature of Webkit, and the standards it implements the resource is easy to imitate and substitutable. The software itself is a middleware type application and there are multiple alternatives and Webkit derivatives available in the market. Therefore I have rated these characteristics as low.
Adopted Open Source strategy
I have rated the strategy for Webkit applied by Qualcomm as self-service. While their value comes from a complementary device, e.g., their chipsets, these do not directly incorporate the Open Source software. Moreover, the Webkit community is primarily a consortia of end user organizations jointly developing applications that can be used by all. While Qualcomm is not an end user, it is engaging as one.