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Ubiquitous Computing. J.I.Mathers Sept. 2002. What is Ubiquitous Computing?. Oxford Dictionary – ‘present everywhere or in several places’ IBM Thinkpad Laptop with wireless connectivity. Laptop/wireless Case Study RGU Perspective Bluetooth PDA and GPRS Tablet PC. Agenda.
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UbiquitousComputing J.I.Mathers Sept. 2002
What is Ubiquitous Computing? • Oxford Dictionary – ‘present everywhere or in several places’ • IBM Thinkpad • Laptop with wireless connectivity
Laptop/wireless Case Study RGU Perspective Bluetooth PDA and GPRS Tablet PC Agenda
All students have laptops. No student labs with PC’s. Wireless networks across campus. Access provided from common rooms and open areas. Ubiquitous Computing
A public state funded university. 15,400 u/gs and 8,780 p/gs. 2,420 staff 1000 seats in student labs Facing renovation costs of £3.3m Annual PC replacement of £440,000 (3 yr cycle) University of N. Carolina
Grant generating schools had resources. Grant challenged schools did not. 65% had access to own computer. Lowest common denominator was inadequate. U of NC Starting Point
Set out to fill the 35% gap. Laptop a requirement for every student. Introduced a life cycling program for staff and students over 3 yrs. Student financial support in form of loan or grant. KEY - local wireless for open spaces and classrooms. What did U of NC do?
UK Universities • Strathclyde • Warwick • Scottish Universities
Benefits to RGU - 1 • Potentially significant cost savings. • Consider buy, rent or partly funded. • Latest technology for all students and staff • 24 x 7 availability • Standardisation brings better service and more controlled costs
Benefits to RGU - 2 • Laptops can be used in home, library or lecture rooms. • Removes the annual PC replacement debate. • LCD is a laptop with access to the Intranet.
RGU Issues • High percentage of students live at home. • Funding of laptops • Laptops in the classroom • Security of laptops during the day • Find a partner
IT Future Strategy • Recognition that students will arrive with PDA and PC • Want to connect on campus and at home • Connect halls of residences • VPN providing ‘H’ drives • Novell 6 provides full access remotely
IT Strategy - Issues • Software licences • Various PC’s and PDA’s • Security of access • Speed – at present 11 mbs vs 100 mbs
Bluetooth? • Nothing to do with the dentist • Technology standard using short-range radio links replacing cables • Aim is for one Bluetooth device to connect anywhere to any other in its proximity whatever manufacturer.
Other Devices • PDA with wireless connection • GPRS • Tablet PC