Introduction

This chapter introduces the concept of pervasive computing: the idea that the computer, in the form of a processor, is everywhere – in devices, clothes, etc. It then looks at the standards that underpin pervasive computing; in databases, mark-up languages and wired and wireless networks. It also outlines the main problems of pervasive computing, in terms of the security risks it opens up.

Pervasive computing

In our information age, pervasive computing is the idea that information technology is moving beyond the personal computer and becoming embedded into everyday devices, giving them the processing power and connectivity of traditional computing devices. These devices are themselves becoming progressively smaller and more powerful. Many people are familiar with using laptops (which now outstrip desktops in sales) and PDAs on the move. The Blackberry is a hand-held device that essentially functions as an e-mail reader and a phone, complete with miniature keyboard. Smart phones are mobile phones with web browsers, e-mail, personal organizers and the ability to download and install more software. They come with sound recording and playing capabilities, digital cameras and more recently video cameras, and since they use GPRS or UMTS (explained below) for their internet connection, they can connect to the internet pretty much anywhere. On PCs, hard disks can be used to store data permanently, but mobile devices have neither the space nor the power capacity for them. Instead, storage solutions involve using non-volatile flash memory and battery-powered random access memory (RAM). Also called ‘ubiquitous computing’, pervasive computing is leading to a wider shift in computing, in that almost any device, from clothing, tools and appliances to cars, homes, the human body and your wedding ring, can be embedded with a computer processor to connect the device to an infinite network of other devices.

This pervasiveness was initially hampered by two types of standards: proprietary standards, which were protected by their owners and rarely shared with others in the industry; and de facto standards, which became established through widespread consumer acceptance or through the owners allowing others to exploit the technologies they had developed. Subsequently, product development, branding and market dominance allowed these owners to maintain their position in the market. Microsoft Windows is a good example of a proprietary standard which evolved into a de facto standard for personal computers.