Vision, issues, and architecture for nomadic computing [and communications]

Computing and communications is bringing about a paradigm shift in the way these technologies are being used. The shift is in the direction of nomadic computing and communications. Nomadicity refers to the system support needed to provide a rich set of computing and communication capabilities and services to the nomad as he or she moves from place to place in a transparent, integrated and convenient form. This new paradigm is already manifesting itself as users travel to many different locations with laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) cellular telephones, pagers, and so on. In this article we discuss a vision of nomadicity as well as open issues, and architecture and design concerns that must be addressed as we bring about the system support necessary for nomadicity.