Middleware for distributed services and mobile applications

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the middleware that has evolved from our attempt to develop location-aware and user-aware services in ubiquitous environments. User mobility can cause numerous problems and limitations: user-preferred applications are not installed in the new location or device, user-specific configurations are needed, there are different OS and platforms, limited resources in the new node and so on. These restrictions sometimes prevent the user from performing what is required, anywhere and anytime. We propose a system in which, by enabling code installation and execution on remote nodes, these limitations are controlled. A prototype implementation of this approach has been constructed and we present the rationale, design, implementation and applications of the prototype system.