Reference Architecture for Mobile Internet Service Platform

The i-mode services platform is a unique business model that benefits service providers, the network operator, device manufacturers, and the customers. The current NTT DoCoMo solution is deployed to the PDC network, available only in Japan. Presently, several arguments have been put forward as to the success of i-mode in Japan, however such erudition has done little for other mobile operators from gaining any tangible advantage over its competitors in the mobile environment. We argue that the key observation to be made is that the success is not strictly about the underlying technology, but rather the unique business model that has been developed by NTT DoCoMo. This paper presents a reference architecture for building the Mobile Internet Services Platform, i.e, an ‘i-mode like’ platform, on a GSM packet switched GPRS network. The key theme of the reference architecture is to address the requirements of the successful business model that has provided NTT DoCoMo with overwhelming success.