France

This chapter introduces the emerging m-commerce market in France. Despite the current low level of use, this market is characterized by the implementation of an increasingly efficient m-commerce value chain by network operators, content providers and content enablers. As a consequence, innovative and attractive services are being introduced progressively for both consumers and businesses, which are analyzed here with the help of the CLIP framework. Furthermore, the authors argue that an m-commerce strategy should be designed in synergy with a fixed network-based e-commerce strategy while carefully following and anticipating the progressive implementation of significant technological advances.

India

This chapter presents our perspective on the evolution of m-commerce in India, where the telecommunications sector was privatized in 1992 and further deregulated in 1999. The chapter introduces the leading mobile telecom players and relates them to the emerging trends. Intertwined with this narrative are descriptions of specific m-commerce cases which deploy SMS in just about every application. These cases are further analyzed using the CLIP framework, illustrating the Indian markets’ adaptive capacity to employ low-end technology to deliver high-end solutions. The chapter concludes with lessons drawn from the Indian experience, and outlines some directions for future research.

Mobile Communications and Mobile Commerce

In this keynote chapter, we provide an overview of the emerging global landscape of mobile communications and mobile commerce, circa 2005. We introduce the four core CLIP functionalities — communications (C), locatability (L), information (I), exchange and payment (P) facilitation — on which mobile commerce systems and services are based. We then explore the various requirements for creating successful mobile commerce portals, or m-portals, using the CLIP functionalities as well as ways for personalization, permission and specification of service formats and content.

United Kingdom

This chapter provides an overview of the current development of m-commerce in the UK and explores its future prospects. A number of mini-case studies are drawn from a diverse range of business and government sectors. Although m-commerce is still in its infancy in the UK, there are many rapid developments taking place that suggest strong future growth.

New Zealand

This chapter provides a review of the emerging patterns of m-commerce in New Zealand. We apply the four core CLIP functionalities: communications (C), locatability (L), information (I) exchange and payment (P) facilitation — on which m-commerce systems and services are based and provide key cases and applications in a New Zealand context. The New Zealand mobile market is fairly unique due to its s relatively small size and its duopoly market system with Telecom and Vodafone. It is therefore critical for operators in New Zealand to be more creative and innovative in their delivery of increasingly sophisticated mobile services. The challenges lie in stimulating demand for add-on services while differentiating offerings from the competition and controlling costs.

Japan

Japan is a world leader in the development and deployment of mobile communications and m-commerce. The country maintains this position by both staying on the cutting edge of technologies and catering to a user base eager to embrace new mobile technologies. Mobile commerce has developed beyond just data transmissions between the handset and the Web. The handsets can now serve as an “e-wallet” for conducting physical, real world transactions. In the course of this chapter, we will explain briefly the historical advances in mobile technologies which have enabled and engendered m-commerce applications of increasing complexity. Concurrently, we will present a series of micro-cases about m-commerce and give analysis of these cases from the CLIP framework. Finally, we will draw conclusions and lessons learned that might be applicable in other m-commerce markets.

South Korea

Koreans envision a world in which anyone can access information and the tools to explore it anytime, anywhere. Korea has been one of the leaders in the mobile industry and this chapter explores the past, present and future of mobile technology and markets in Korea. Starting with background and a brief overview of the current situation, this chapter uses the CLIP framework to describe mobile services in Korea. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of challenges and future strategies.

Finland

This chapter describes Finnish mobile telecommunications industry trends and prospects. In addition, it presents two theoretical frameworks based on the Finnish companies’ experiences in the turbulent m-commerce markets. First, the internationalization framework is targeted to facilitate m-commerce actors to position themselves in the global telecom business. Second, the mobile media framework is targeted to facilitate analyses related to the emerging mobile media markets. Furthermore, the chapter presents five mini-cases of Finnish m-commerce companies and concludes with theoretical and managerial implications to m-commerce actors.

It's an M-World After All

n this concluding chapter, we gather together the lessons emerging from the patterns of mobile commerce evident in the preceding chapters. Mobile applications, commercial and others, are based on four core CLIP functionalities — communications (C), locatability (L), information (I) exchange and payment (P) facilitation. How these capabilities are deployed depends on resources, corporate imaginations, market development and cultural and personal preferences. The chapter authors, based on their close first-hand contextual observations as well as conceptual insights,

United States of America

Somewhat behind in the mobile telephony adoption than leading European and Asian markets, the U.S. market caught up in the 2000s. While simple types of mobile data services — such as messaging and downloads — had made some headway, the preexisting popularity of PC-based Internet made the U.S. users somewhat resistant to m-commerce offerings that did not match the richness of PC e-commerce. By the mid-2000s, however, network and technological capabilities were in place to usher in rich, new m-commerce offerings in U.S. markets. By taking advantage of new technologies, the U.S. mobile industry had the opportunity to become an innovator in m-commerce offerings.