Ubiquitous computing is already with us and is changing our lifestyle, way of
thinking and quality of life. Everyday objects with embedded computing capabilities
are now commonplace and, between mobile phones and RFID tags,
further deployment proceeds at an unstoppable pace. The next major step of
the ubiquitous computing evolution is the move, already partly underway, from
isolated smart objects to distributed systems of smart objects and appropriate
back-end infrastructure: microelectronics and communication technology converging
with healthcare technology, communication technology, sports and entertainment,
housing, vehicular technology, middleware, sensor networks and
so on.