Towards a Reference Model for M-Commerce Over Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

Wireless trading outside established computer networks is an emerging class of mobile application for which there seems to be a growing demand. It enables mobile users to wirelessly engage in online trading regardless of time or location. However, better understanding of the complex issues at stake is needed before effective systems of this kind can be designed and built. Developing a reference model is one way to provide this understanding. M-commerce is defined and its elements, requirements and issues are discussed. The characteristics, functional components, application types, security requirements and issues of ad hoc m-commerce are then analyzed and distinguished.