Jairo A. Gutiérrez

An Exploratory Study of Killer Applications and Critical Success Factors in M-Commerce

This research deals with two aspects of mobile commerce (m-commerce); namely killer applications and critical success factors. After compiling significant information from the related literature, a Delphi panel was assembled by selecting a group of experts who has significant knowledge about m-commerce and wireless communications. The panel was requested to comment on a number of m-commerce issues and scenarios gleaned from the literature review, and members of the panel also were asked to indicate which issues were more important and which of the presented scenarios were more likely. Three separate rounds of the Delphi survey were carried out and the final results indicated that the short message service (SMS) and a killer portfolio were the two most likely killer applications of m-commerce. Additionally, four factors—convenience, ease of use, trust, and ubiquity—were identified as the most important to m-commerce success. According to the Delphi results and the experts’ comments, the highlighted features of the killer applications were found to match the most significant critical success factors as voted by the panel.

Secure routing for internet of things

The Internet of Things (IoT) could be described as the pervasive and global network which aids and provides a system for the monitoring and control of the physical world through the collection, processing and analysis of generated data by IoT sensor devices. It is projected that by 2020 the number of connected devices is estimated to grow exponentially to 50 billion. The main drivers for this growth are our everyday devices such as cars, refrigerators, fans, lights, mobile phones and other operational technologies including the manufacturing infrastructures which are now becoming connected systems across the world. It is apparent that security will pose a fundamental enabling factor for the successful deployment and use of most IoT applications and in particular secure routing among IoT sensor nodes thus, mechanisms need to be designed to provide secure routing communications for devices enabled by the IoT technology. This survey analyzes existing routing protocols and mechanisms to secure routing communications in IoT, as well as the open research issues. We further analyze how existing approaches ensure secure routing in IoT, their weaknesses, threats to secure routing in IoT and the open challenges and strategies for future research work for a better secure IoT routing.

An evaluation framework for viable business models for m-commerce in the information technology sector

This paper presents a study of the characteristics of viable business models in the field of Mobile Commerce (m-commerce). Mobility has given new dimensions to the way commerce works. All over the world various stakeholder organisations are consistently probing into the areas where m-commerce can be exploited and can generate revenue or value for them, even though some of those implementations are making the business environment more complex and uncertain. This paper proposes a viable business model evaluation framework, based on the VISOR model, which helps in determining the sustainability capabilities of a business model. Four individual cases were conducted with diverse organisations in the Information Technology sector. The four cases discussed dealt with mobile business models and the primary data was collected via semi structured interviews, supplemented by an extensive range of secondary data. A cross-case comparative data analysis was used to review the patterns of different viable business components across the four cases and, finally, the findings and conclusions of the study are presented.

A framework for effective quality of service over wireless networks

This paper firstly highlights areas that have the potential to influence or directly affect the final outcome of Quality of Service (QoS) levels and the effectiveness of security in a wireless network environment. A Delphi methodology survey was then carried out by selecting a panel of experts with first-hand knowledge in this area. This research methodology process was conducted over three separate rounds of survey questionnaires for further refinement. The results gathered from the research indicated that the panel highly valued scenarios that supported further enhancements to existing QoS functions as well as continual development to newer and more cost effective functions that increase the level of control of QoS levels. Security was felt to be a secondary concern, a worrisome development given the increasing importance of it in modern networks.

Technology and market conditions toward a new competitive landscape in the wireless access market

This article argues that the wireless telecommunication market is about to witness a shift in business models and market structure as a result of the deployment of new broadband access technologies, spectrum management techniques, policy-based network management, and the drive of new entrants to compete against the incumbents. The article discusses four agents of evolutionary changes: a range of broadband wireless access standards and technologies that are front-runners in the industrys efforts to embody the next generation of wireless networks; new provider-customer relationships facilitated through changes in the usual contract patterns that will allow consumers to enter short-term and spot contracts with the new wireless providers; an overview of the current debate on spectrum management; and an explanation of how autonomic communications and policy-based management would support the new structure. Finally, the article asserts the necessity for the integration of the heterogeneous technologies that make up this emerging, hybrid wireless landscape, and describes the economic characteristics of a new competitive scenario.

Understanding the Current Operation and Future Roles of Wireless Networks: Co-Existence, Competition and Co-Operation in the Unlicensed Spectrum Bands

Technology and policy are coming together to enable a paradigmatic change to the most widely used mechanism, exclusive rights, which allows mobile telecommunications operators to use the radio spectrum. Although spectrum sharing is not a new idea, the limited supply of spectrum and the enormous demand for mobile broadband services are forcing spectrum authorities to look more closely into a range of tools that might accelerate its adoption. This paper seeks to understand how co-existence and co-operation of Wi-Fi and cellular networks in the unlicensed spectrum can increase the overall capacity of heterogeneous wireless networks. It also reveals the challenges posed by new uses, such as machine-to-machine communications and the Internet of Things. It also brings together two major proposed regulatory approaches, such as those by the U.K.s Ofcom and the European Commission, which currently represent leading efforts to provide spectrum authorities with robust spectrum sharing frameworks, to discuss policy tools likely to be implemented.

An Investigation of Revenue Streams of New Zealand Online Content Providers

This article describes an empirical investigation into the revenue streams of online content providers in New Zealand. It extends previous academic literature by taking a broader scope and a unique geographic focus (New Zealand). Framed according to a proposed integrated classification of revenue streams and supporting features, which identifies six revenue streams and four supporting features, the study investigates the satisfaction levels of content providers with the revenue stream(s) they use, the issues faced in generating revenue and whether the supporting features support the revenue generating capacity of content sites. After applying certain eligibility criteria, 36 sites comprised the target population of which 11 were represented. Web site examinations coupled with a mixture of face-to-face and e-mail interviews with senior managers comprised the data collection instruments. Respondents used all six revenue streams to monetize their online content. A profile of revenue stream usage, satisfaction levels with revenue stream performance, the issues surrounding revenue generation and the contributions of supporting features are presented.

Agent and Web-based technologies in network management

A close look at agent and Web-based technologies and their use in the management of networks is the main theme of this paper. An analysis of how this area has changed substantially, resulting in new difficulties and challenges for information systems professionals is provided. The components of network management, including people, information; the network infrastructure, systems and network management, and their interactions are looked at initially. The changes that have occurred in this area will be outlined by this analysis, and the resulting problems and complexities described. From this point the potential role for agent technology in providing some degree of solution is explored. This exploration also considers some of the negative implications, and introduces a model proposed as the basis of an integrated agent and Web-based network management environment.

5G in rural and low-income areas: Are we ready?

Current trends in telecommunication networks foresee the adoption of the fifth generation (5G) of wireless networks in the near future. However, a large number of people are living without coverage and connectivity. To face this issue, we consider the possibility of deploying 5G networks in rural and low-income zones. After detailing the current state-of-the-art, we consider the main challenges that need to be faced. Moreover, we define the main pillars to follow in order to deploy 5G networks in such zones, as well as a proposal of a future network architecture.

Recognizing RFID as a Disruptive Technology

Recognizing radio frequency identification (RFID) as a disruptive technology unearths interesting facts that could help managers decide how to approach their RFID projects. RFID for the supply chain (RFID/SC) has attracted global attention and the adoption pace is quickening. It has characteristics resembling that of a disruptive technology. To better understand RFID/SC, we use Christensen’s principles of disruptive technology and the motivation/ability framework to illustrate the uniqueness of RFID/SC. The principles provide valuable information for managers steering their RFID projects toward success. We provide cases studies as vignettes to support the applications of the theories. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to equip managers with the knowledge of disruptive technology in the context of RFID/SC, (2) to highlight the need to assess an organization’s motivation and ability for adopting RFID/SC, and (3) to propose further research areas in RFID/SC in the IS field.