5 Introduction to the M2M ecosystem

5.1 Functional roles description

Figure 1: Functional Roles in the M2M Ecosystem

1. The User (individual or company - aka: end-user) fulfils all of the following criteria:

   • Uses an M2M solution.

2. The Application Service Provider fulfils all of the following criteria:

   • Provides an M2M Application Service.
   • Operates M2M Applications.

3. The M2M Service Provider fulfils all of the following criteria:

   • Provides M2M Services to Application Service Providers.
   • Operates M2M Common Services.

4. The Network Operator fulfils all of the following criteria:

   • Provides Connectivity and related services for M2M Service Providers.
   • Operates an Underlying Network . Such an Underlying Network could e.g. be a telecom network.

Any of the above functional roles may coincide with any of the other roles. These functional roles do not imply business roles or architectural assumptions.