i-mode and Java join forces to open the door to global commerce

Since its introduction in February 1999 i-mode has become the world's largest wireless Internet service with more than 35 million subscribers and revenues of over ¥700 billion. Along with sharp increases in the number of users and the volume of revenues, the last 2 years have witnessed a dramatic improvement in the content of i-mode services. In January 2001 DoCoMo launched its i-appli service for downloading software applications - allowing users to install extra programs of their choice on their mobile phones. The programs are compiled using Java, and today's 15 million i-appli users can be seen as arguably the largest Java community in the world.

Widely acknowledged as the founder of i-mode, Takeshi Natsuno discusses the success story of i-mode to date by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the management concepts applied while formulating the i-mode strategy. This stimulating volume provides a hands-on look at how he managed to effectively introduce the Internet way of thinking rather than the telecoms way of thinking in order to implement the i-mode service.

Written by the most highly respected expert in the field, i-mode Strategy is an absolute must for everyone wanting to know more about DoCoMo's sustainable business model and i-mode strategy.

'In this book I offer an extensive introduction both to the basic i-mode concept, which is grounded in the theory of complex systems, and to the actual operation of i-mode services. I hope that it will both contribute to an understanding of i-mode and offer hints for readers in developing their own IT businesses.' Takeshi Natsuno