Ecosystem development

Good article from the Register contrasting Microsoft and Docomo approaches to ecosystem development.

No cultures could be more opposed than those of Microsoft and DoCoMo. The Japanese operator created the model, now eagerly emulated by the likes of Vodafone, whereby the cellco takes the leading role in defining its requirements for its handset, software interface and infrastructure. DoCoMo engages in extensive R&D into advanced cellular technologies in a bid to drive next generation networks and influence the manufacturers, and often helps to fund the R&D of its partners to speed time to market and reduce its own costs…

…On this basis, it builds an ecosystem of developers, device makers and content providers and, in the case of its iMode content delivery platform, partner operators around the world. All a far cry from the Microsoft world where new releases of its technologies are presented with limited consultation to PC makers, developers and customers