Reviews

globetechnology.com, October 9, 2001 - Andrew Allentuck

Pervasive computing is a concept that is so broad, so inclusive, that it is hard to define. From the readily appreciated idea of personal digital assistants that are hooked up to the internet via digital cell phones to cars with GPS devices that tell computers where they are and receive back data on avoiding traffic jams, the potential for the field is vast. And exciting.

Daniel Amor, an internet expert who works for Hewlett Packard in Germany, has put together a beautifully written, elegantly thought out book on what pervasive computing will be. He covers a huge territory from the web today to the migration of wired services to wireless space: mobile architecture, mobile apps, home automation, business automation, services to be, and structures to be.

There are imaginative case studies of services that pervasive computing will permit: web-based reporting of credit card theft, objects with tiny chips reporting their whereabouts to police when stolen, even toothbrushes with medical diagnostic chips reporting to a user or a dentist what is wrong with the user's teeth.

The last case suggests the current problem with pervasive computing. The technology to make it happen exists, but users have not demanded anything like it. The talking refrigerator that orders more milk is widely ridiculed. Do we want a toothbrush to call a dentist? Socks to call a podiatrist to report a case of athlete's foot? An antacid pill that could report to an physician?

The solution is to have third party administration of all this intimate data, Mr. Amor says. Many would disagree, suggesting that the cure is not to collect it at all. Currently, wireless security is not as strong as hardwired network security can be. And even that is fragile, given advances in password cracking.

In a developing world of wireless services, pervasive computing is likely to grow in unpredictable ways. At the threshold of this new world, Daniel Amor's Internet Fuure Strategies has done a masterful job of mapping what may be. His work is superb, his insights often remarkable. If pervasive computing is part of your work, get the book.

The future is here! In this book!, January 30, 2002 - Francois Maire from Lyon, France

Daniel Amor provides a short introduction to the future that is about to happen. He provides some insight into new technologies, but more important into new business cases. He even provides simple ROI calculations, which is great. I am a professor at university and can use these cases with my students. A pity that there are only four in the book, but I found two more on his web site for free. Good work, keep it up!

excellent reading, December 1, 2001 - Alberto Funchal from Barcelona, Spain

After his first book, The E-Business (R)Evolution, Daniel Amor created a new book in the same style as the first one. Instead of talking too much about technology and businesses, he created scenarios, which incorporate technology and business cases and put both of them into context. The book is of interest for people that want to develop new ideas on the Internet. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

beautifully written, elegantly thought out book, October 24, 2001 - Andrew Allentuck from Toronto, Canada

Architect of the future, October 9, 2001 - John Arbora from London, UK

Daniel Amor provides a very innovative way of presenting technologies and business cases of the future. Instead of describing Technology on a technology level and Business on a business level, he provides cases, which are easy to understand and include architecture blueprints for both, Technology and Business. Anyone that is interested in understanding the future of the Internet will be able to do so, both laypeople and professionals.

More than just technology, September 26, 2001 - David Grozny from San Diego, CA USA

Pervasive computing is becoming more and more popular. We are running the risk of repeating the mistakes of the Internet technologies, by focussing not enough on the business case. The results can be seen everywhere. Daniel's book tries to overcome this problem. This book does not only cover the development of wireless applications, services and content. In addition it provides concepts on how wireless application service providers can grow by providing innovative services. Also included are strategies for supporting and managing pervasive commerce. A must read.

Introduction and Overview, September 18, 2001 - Jenny Lang from Düsseldorf, Germany

This book gives you an up-to-date overview of new devices, technologies and business cases. The book is a very good choice for professionals who wants to know about the new technologies but without the necessity to have a detailed knowledge. The focus is on the business case and how to make the ROI work. Anyone investing into the future of the Internet needs to read this book!

The Future is here!, August 9, 2001 - Elfi Jones from Chicago, IL

Amor describes the arising future not only from a technological point of view, but also from a business point of view and how it will impact society. This book provides a great outlook on new technologies, such as Jini, .NET and 3G and puts them into context. He shows how the Internet will evolve and which new technologies will become available in the next few years. If you read The E-Business (R)Evolution, this is the logical next step. And this time it has even been properly edited the first time!