er user, but billing and customer management systems must track their usage separately. OSS linkage occurs mainly among billing, customer management and accounting systems. As with any other IIC, the OSS platform's most critical role is assuring quality service both on the network and from a customer-care perspective. Though there is some overlap between the markets, the market for mobile-specific OSS is much more limited than that for landline networks. Mobile providers tend to stick with larger suppliers, such as the equipment vendors who bundle OSS software with their gear. Still, many mobile IICs choose to build their own OSS suites regardless of the associated cost. Application providers. The group developing mobile applications should see significant growth in the coming years. To date, they are limited primarily to those targeting specific devices or operating system environments. As devices and mobile networks become more Internet capable the range of possible application providers and developers is nearly unlimited, to the point where the entire Internet essentially becomes a service development shop for mobile providers. Though mobile providers will continue to develop their own services, perhaps more important is their ability to technically support and partner with the "right" application providers. This can include any of a range of hosted services, from e-mail to ERP to AvantGo. It can also include partnerships with eTailers, giving special privileges to mobile customers. As mobile Internet technologies spread and location-based services emerge, the range of applications and information sources is likely to explode as well. It's this large group of innovators that will bring mobile technology to the next frontier. Voice and basic data services are the first step. They provide the foundation upon which any number of new ideas might be built. The Mobile Internet. Adding to the Internet's already pervasive role in the IIC supply chain, mobile technology extends its reach. There are three key aspects to