A unified service delivery platform for emerging mobile applications: analysis of its implementation and integration within the mobile network in Kenya

Magare, Silas Omundi James

A unified service delivery platform for emerging mobile applications: analysis of its implementation and integration within the mobile network in Kenya

Date

2014

Authors

Magare, Silas Omundi James

Publisher

iLabAfrica

Abstract

Emerging mobile applications such as Android and J2ME are delivered through application stores while most conventional applications such as Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) and SIM Tool Kit (STK) are provisioned through Mobile networks. The conventional applications seem to have an edge over the emerging counter parts majorly because conventional applications get exposure via mobile operators who command a majority share in the mass market. The research was looking into a possibility of having emerging mobile applications provisioned over the mobile network and the best implementation practice should it succeed. The Literature reviewed found out that, currently, prominent features which make conventional applications technically appealing in the network such as OTA auto provisioning, are not fully in place for emerging mobile applications. Research found out that, successful realization of the platform is depended upon good security framework, user preference and technology. Henceforth, it found out that, it is possible for some features proposed in the research to be implemented within the current generation of networks, but it will strain the resources, hence, a need for expansion of the current network to accommodate the increasing demand of emerging mobile applications. Therefore, most features this research envisioned will be fully implemented in the next generation of networks which will be IP based. In the current network scenario, developers need to come up with hybrid applications involving integration of conventional and emerging mobile applications for best benefits. Finally, there is an urgent need for a synergy between mobile operators, device manufacturers and mobile platforms providers to speed up the realization of a robust unified service delivery platform for emerging mobile applications.