Continuum software infrastructure for ubiquitous computing: A service-based approach

Abstract

The latest technological advances, which introduced innovative and more affordable devices, have contributed to boost the practical application of research in the field of ubiquitous computing (ubicomp). For the development of applications in this area, we need an adequate software infrastructure. In order to do so, we have proposed Continuum, an infrastructure based on service-oriented architecture (SOA), making use of framework and middleware, and employing a redefinition of follow-me semantics. In this redefined vision, users can go anywhere carrying the data and application they want, which they can use in a seamlessly integrated fashion with the real world. In this article, we focus on the description of the service-based architecture proposed for Continuum. The proposal widens the web services standards to support the mobility of services, allowing them to be deployed, copied, or moved. Besides, the abstraction provided enables the adaptation of legacy applications as Continuum pluggable services. We conduct some experimental analysis, using case study methodology. Based on these assessments, we present lessons learned and draw the conclusion of our work.

Keywords: software infrastructure, middleware, web services, service oriented architecture, ubiquitous computing.