Abstract

This paper provides the reader with some insight into an emerging technology in mobile, distributed systems environments. This technology is - at least - a facilitator, and possibly a catalyst for wireless, ubiquitous and pervasive computing environments. A Service Delivery Platform is an integrated suite of applications which provides mobile network carriers and their content partners the ability to develop, deploy, deliver, and manage mobile voice and data services quickly and cost effectively. The elements and roles it has to play on a mobile carrier’s network are described. A service delivery platform can bring new content services to the market in a matter of hours or days as opposed to weeks or months. The paper finishes with a business analysis regarding the implementation of service delivery platforms, a brief overview of emerging technical architectures and concluding remarks on what opportunities the service delivery platform concept may offer for academic research.