Abstract

We examine whether a time lag exists before the network position of a software service affects its performance. Moreover, we analyze different time lags, using empirical data about software services and their usage for creating composite services. Our results show that software services in central positions (i.e., high betweenness centrality) attract users the most. The highest effect exhibits, if the time lag is 26–32 months. Our findings are relevant, as they can guide developers in marketing their software services and are expected to impact innovation studies regarding the importance of considering time lags and analyzing complementary knowledge.