Intelligent Spaces The Application of Pervasive ICT

Intelligent spaces : the application of pervasive ICT (Computer Communications

and Networks)

Steventon A., Wright S., Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., Secaucus, NJ, 2005. 438 pp.

Type: Book

Date Reviewed: Mar 16 2006

Information and communication technology (ICT) has been around for several years. It

improves the way we compute and communicate, and yet human lives have remained

essentially the same. However, this is about to change. As this book explains, every facet

of human endeavor will be affected and changed (for the better, we hope) by pervasive

ICT, referred to here as intelligent spaces (iSpaces).

The book consists of 24 chapters written by different authors. The topics can be roughly

divided into five parts. The first part introduces the basics of iSpaces: what they are, their

impact, and the science and technology needed behind them. The second part briefly

explains several applications of iSpaces, ranging from supply chain,home, and community

environment to the monitoring of highway traffic and glaciers. The third part discusses

trust, privacy, and security issues in iSpaces. The fourth part is oriented more toward

technology, discussing several implementations of iSpaces. The final part examines the

digital infrastructure that will need to be there in order for iSpaces to work. In general, this

book is well edited and each chapter is concise. However, 24 chapters are a lot to digest

and perhaps the fourth part could have been omitted without affecting the value of the

book too much.

The intended audience for this book is not clear. If meant for the general public, then the

authors could perhaps have focused more on the social impact and changes iSpaces will

bring. Color images would also help to engage readers.

One final question comes to mind: are iSpaces always good for people? Have any disasters

occurred in the past due to pervasive (or some may say invasive) ICT? A chapter or two

discussing real examples of the downside of iSpaces would help this book to be more

complete and insightful.