Abstract
1.TELECOMMUNICATION
The high levels of mobile phone penetration throughout the world prove that voice communication has already gone mobile. The number is excepted to reach one billion milestone in 2002, from less than 10 million in 1991. Several markets are expected to reach a 70-80% penetration rate in the relatively near future. Similar developments are also unfolding with various forms of data, enabled by evolving 3rd Generation mobile communication technologies.
2.MOBILE INTERNET
The mobile terminal will be the main application foundation and communication medium of tomorrow. Within the Mobile World, a major part of personal communication - be it voice, data, images or video - is occurring through personal wireless terminals. Additionally, these terminals will increasingly be utilized for various personal information, service and transaction needs both in the virtual space of the Internet and in the physical world.
The mobile phone is at the heart of complete personal connectivity, being the main content, application platform and media.
3.TELEMATICS
Telematics initially considered as a competitive weappon for vehicle manufacturers with clear focus on safety and security evolved in most cases as proprietary and less profitable. Future technology platforms and open standards provide the opportunity to make Telematics an open mass market for in-car services based on car communication components. The dedicated business model decides upon the appropriate technology and components selection enabling either embedded or portable in-car services solutions.
4.VERTICAL PARTNERSHIPS
Since most of the technical components needed already exist technology will no longer be the major challenge for Telematics. More essential is the way how systems are implemented; the integration of complex system and service solutions supporting scalability, upgradability and interoperability requires vertical cooperation, proven capability and trusted brand.
Key players in Telematics are the carmakers, the wireless network operators and the wireless terminal manufacturers. Value networks of system partners with complementary core competences can trigger the Telematics growth if they introduce in-car services through fully integrated mobile wireless terminals.
Critical success factors: Compatibility between both the fully integrated mobile hands-free voice solutions and the embedded systems supporting infotainment and safe mobility; co-marketing to generate the right market pull for Telematics i.e. adding value to customers.