Business Models of Developer Platforms in the Telecommunications Industry - an Explorative Case Study Analysis

Digital platforms are re-shaping organizations and markets. In particular, telecommunication companies are challenged to control digital platforms and to engage generative ecosystems. In order to provide a point of departure for future research, we conduct an explorative case study analysis to determine the state of the art of business models of telecommunication operators' developer platforms. The contribution of our study is three-fold, providing insights on business model design, platform control and competitive strategy. Specifically, we find that the business models provide the prerequisites for effective and efficient new product development and tend to leave the customer relationship to complementors. Further, we identify differentiating design decisions and demarcate capabilities that remain in control of operators. Finally, we highlight cooperation, particularly with aggregators, as a means to tackle the challenges of platform fragmentation and increase the platform's functional range. Based our findings we indicate promising aspects for future research in these fields.