Ubiquitous Computing
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- Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s) proliferate. Note the emergence of all manner of specialty versions of hand held devices. PDA’s and embedded computes currently have the ability to communicate with other computing devices via a hardwired connection. Note the imminent introduction of wireless connections. This will usher in the age of ubiquitous computing.
- Note the introduction of advanced (i.e. second) generation hand held devices. These second generation handhelds have improved connectivity that allows data to be easily downloaded onto desktop computers or networks. We should expect to see increased use of these mobile devices within the office, or at remote project or construction sites.
- Note the current competition between Microsoft and Palm for dominance in the marketplace (Windows CE vs. Palm OS). Third (next) generation devices may be dominated by the winner of this battle. If dominance is achieved by either of these companies, the current crop of handhelds may not have an upgrade path. Alternatively, the competition to dominate the second generation may be fought to a draw. This in turn may spur the early development and marketing of third generation devices.
- Note the increased use of embedded computers. Embedded computers will turn any piece of electronic equipment into a “smart” data appliance. We can expect to see “smart” data appliances evolve into “brilliant” data appliances. The lines between “smart” data appliances and mobile computers will begin to blur. This has a potentially important impact on the design of electrical power distribution equipment and HVAC control devices.
- Continuing miniaturization of microchips is allowing hand held computers, cellular telephones, wireless web appliances and message devices to merge into one device.
- Modern mechanical and electrical control systems are designed to connect to Ethernet networks using the IP protocol. Each IP enabled device has a unique address which allows it to be contacted over the internet from anywhere in the world. Newly released hand held wireless devices are just coming to market that will allow facilities maintenance personnel to monitor and control a building’s mechanical and electrical systems over the internet from anywhere in the world via a wireless handheld device.
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