Business perspectives of end-to-end reconfigurability

The objectives of end-to-end reconfigurability research are to bring the full benefits of the valuable diversity within the radio eco-space, composed of a wide range of systems (such as cellular, wireless local area, and broadcast) and to devise, develop, and trial architectural design of reconfigurable devices and supporting system functions so as to offer an expanded set of operational choices to the different actors of the value chain in the context of heterogeneous mobile radio systems. End-to-end reconfigurability will help operators better exploit their investments on infrastructures and terminals and should ensure that the infrastructure will be flexible and reconfigurable to accommodate evolving standards, applications, and end-user needs. End-to-end reconfigurability is seen by many in the wireless industry as a core technology to enable the full potential of beyond 3G systems. It has the potential to revolutionize wireless just as the PC revolutionized computing. This article introduces the overall End-to-End Reconfigurability ((ER)-R-2) project system research, then focuses on the business perspectives of end-to-end reconfigurability, introducing the Business Systems Architecture Process (BSAP) methodology and the business architecture model. The business use cases investigated by the (ER)-R-2 research project and, in particular, the flexible spectrum management scenario, are presented as well as the proposed architecture and device model. Finally, the unified business model (UBM) for reconfigurable systems and its main business roles are depicted.