Navigating Mobile Computing: Convergence, Security, and Reliability

1. The Implications of a Single Mobile Computing Device Len Bass and John Klein

2. Outline • Convergence • Issues • User Interface Software • Security • Reliability

3. Convergence - 1 • Convergence is the use of a single mobile device to manage all of your computing needs • Two models of convergence • Convergence to the “cloud” • Computation is performed by a collection of services existing on the network “somewhere” • Convergence to the individual • Computation is performed by a device permanently and privately associated with an individual. • Two models are the same with respect to communication and sharing with others.

4. Convergence – 2 • Hardware assumptions • Both models assume independent I/O devices. Computer connects to the I/O devices through a wireless mechanism such as blue tooth. • Convergence to the cloud assumes computing device is primarily a communications mechanism • Convergence to the individual assumes computing device has large amounts of primary storage, very fast processors – e.g. cellphone.

5. User Interface Software • The question for both models is where does the user interface knowledge reside? • If in the I/O devices then knowledge of all potential applications must be in the I/O devices • If in the applications then must maintain knowledge of all potential I/O devices in the applications. • If shared (through mobile code) then linkage with I/O devices must have sufficiently high bandwidth to support code mobility. • Research question is how is I/O knowledge distributed to support efficient development and efficient execution.

6. Security • Convergence to the cloud. • Assumes all communication to service providers are protected and data stored by service providers is protected.. • Different service providers will likely require different authentication mechanisms. • Attackers have centralized targets. • Convergence to the individual • Assumes data on device is protected in case of loss or theft. • More susceptible to malware residing on I/O devices. • Trust needed only for back up data service provider. • Research questions: Is there a lightweight protection against malware residing on I/O devices.

7. Reliability • Convergence to the cloud: • Constant connectivity. Intermittent connectivity will require synchronization mechanisms. • Replacement of lost or stolen devices is seamless. • Back up is handled by service providers and is unnecessary for communications device since there is no non-replicated local data. • The same data in different locations must be synchronized. E.g. address. • Convergence to the individual • Connectivity needed only for backups and collaboration with others. • Intermittent connectivity can be used for incremental backups • Lost or stolen devices must be reset from back up data. • Two copies of each datum – one local and one in back up store.

8. Summary • Convergence is coming • Unclear whether convergence is to the “cloud” or to the individual • Better methods are needed for: • Distributing user interface knowledge • Managing security and trust issues • Managing reliability issues.