I have finished to read an entire issue of IBM Systems Journal (Vol 38, No 4, 1999) on ubiquitous and pervasive computing. The impression is that we are not speaking about a specific technology, but different applications and solutions built using different technologies. In fact, the issue discusses of personal area networks, wearable computing, devices controlling, social networking tools, mobile networks and so on. It seems to be in Mark Weiser’s world: “The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it” (In “The Computer for the 21st Century”, September 1991). Consequently, the question is: which level of analysis? Product level? Applicatios level? Technological component level? If I want to use sectoral system of innovation approach, the choice of the level of analysis is the crucial point of all the research (See Carlsson B. et al. 2005. Analyzing the Dynamics and Functionality of Sectoral Innovation Systems – A Manual).

This argument has been confirmed by George Roussos’ email: “Basically pervasive computing is not one technology from a business perspective, so I doubt it if you can group everything under one title. Perhaps it would be better if you looked at particular enablers. You need to pin it down to more managable components".

George Roussos is Senior Lecturer of Ubiquitous and Mobile Computing at Birkbeck College.