A role based modelling approach for the information infrastructure

This paper presents a new approach to evaluate alternative technical solutions for the information infrastructure on the basis of a role model. The approach particularly applies to functions like mutual access control and billing, which gain importance in a deregulated communications market where multiple players cooperate to provide a seamless service. It is the main benefit of this new approach that it takes into account the requirements which players in different roles make on each other. Its application makes transparent who will benefit from a proposed technical solution and who will not. As an example we discuss the 'Tick' micropayment scheme as a means to pay services directly.