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The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the meaning of cloud computing for mobile communication. The paper answers the question “what is mobile cloud computing?” and how is it related to the generic cloud computing concept?

This is an explanatory conceptual paper, based on literature review and exploring potential use cases, focused on the use of mobile cloud for service, platform or infrastructure access. The authors exclude the discussion of the traditional cloud concept in back office processes of telecom operators, and service providers.

Where cloud computing is focused on pooling of resources, mobile technology is focused on pooling and sharing of resources locally enabling alternative use cases for mobile infrastructure, platforms and service delivery. The paper discusses relevant concepts and offers examples of use cases.

The value of mobile cloud solutions is not yet explicit, but needs further attention. Research should focus on the relation between mobile cloud computing, platforms and eco systems. From a user perspective the willingness to share pooled resources needs further attention.

Mobile cloud computing offers the possibility that disruptive applications might impact the mobile eco system; reinforcing or weakening business models of core players like handset providers, telecom operators, and service providers.

A lot of attention is paid to cloud computing and to platform discussions, papers on mobile cloud are scarce. This paper offers the current state of the art and a research outlook.