BIONETS economics and business simulation: An alternative approach to quantifying the added value for distributed mobile communications and exchanges

Abstract

This article presents current research work on the development of BEBS (BIONETS Economic and Business Simulation Model). This model is used to illustrate how in pervasive agent-based networks dynamic agents engage in distributed mobile communication exchanges that carry a potential, non-quantified value to be determined. This value can be monetised either as advertisement or as share of revenue profit for an external content or service provider wishing to distribute information over the network. The strength of the simulation model is to enable different ways in which the value of communication events can be quantified and that are not normally considered in conventional business approaches. Our simulation can therefore facilitate the exploration and development of alternative business models based on heterodox economic perspectives such as the economics of sharing, gift economy, and economic sociology applied to mobile networks. © Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering 2010.