Group C1
Case Study D: M-Commerce

Definition: Mobile Commerce is any transaction, involving the transfer of ownership or rights to use goods and services, which is initiated and/or completed by using mobile access to computer-mediated networks with the help of an electronic device
Question 1: What is the “8-second-rule” of the internet and why is it important to the m-commerce technology?
8 second rule: a webpage has to be loaded completely in less than 8 seconds in order not to bother internet users who feel frustration while they are waiting
Application to the m-commerce technology: since it is a new technology and we will see that users have many concerns about it, phone service providers need to offer fast connection
Especially since the current technology isn’t stable and reliable enough, especially in big western cities where it is most important
Question 2: Why might it be useful to m-commerce providers to have records of their users’ purchase histories?
Through the use of cookies during online navigation, users are “customizing” their use of the internet which allows them to have quicker and easier navigation (automatically fulfilled) This also allows providers to get a lot of information about customers
Three main purposes of having records: * Customer Relationship Management * Targeted advertising * Geographic localization
Question 3: What is the biggest concern most cell phone users have about using m-commerce services? What are some other concerns? * Unsafe electronic payments * Improper use of personal data * Data gathering as a liability for users * Privacy violations
Question 4: Why are technology advances such as pseudowires and MPLS technology important to increasing backhaul capacity? Try to research these technologies using outside sources.
Definition of Backhaul capacity: What is needed to transport mobile data from the end user to the other networks.
Investments to increase backhaul capacity are needed in order to: * Offer better and more efficient services (bandwidth, latency issues …) * Deliver innovative services * Offer better payment and navigation security * New technologies could reduce costs and offer a competitive advantage to the innovating firm
Examples of new technologies: * The mobile WIMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
Constitutes a possible substitute to the current broadband systems (DSL, Cable…)
One of the 4G norms: much faster than the current Wi-Fi network. * The LTE (3GPP Long Term Evolution)
New 3.9G launched in 2009 which is supposed to lead us into the 4G era * The HSPA (High Speed Packet Access)
→ An increased peak data rates and system capacity, a reduction of latency. * Virtual Bonding technology...
Question 5: How would the widespread use of m-commerce technology affect your life?
New ways to shop and pay bills * Wallet could maybe be replaced, or at least maybe coins, notes, credit cards * New bar code devices & MPLS technologies * Having an evolutive, uploadable mean of payment
Simplicity and time saving effect
We could experience new phenomenons: * Network dependence and technology addiction * New hacking methods and new possible scams