Pervasive Computing

Pervasive computing is defined by how a single person has access to numerous computing devices that assist in performing a variety of daily tasks (Roberts, 2008).  The idea is to enhance everyday activities by the use of embedded devices that perform without human intervention (Roberts, 2008).  For example, walking into a room and the temperature and lighting automatically changing to match your preferences.

The history of pervasive computing was due much in part to Mark D. Weiser, who was a chief scientist at Xerox PARC.  Weiser is commonly considered to be the father of ubiquitous computing, a term he created in 1988.  He was quoted in saying, “Ultimately, computers would vanish into the background, weaving themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it."

Pervasive computing is a post-desktop model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been carefully integrated into everyday objects and activities (Roberts, 2009).  What I love about this concept is that I can see it happening, and I see that technology is rapidly evolving and further enabling use to have computers work for us, without even knowing it.  Furthermore, wireless networks are becoming more and more easily available, especially through mobile devices.

Ubiquitous computing has created real applications in the world; one example would be ExxonMobil’s Speedpass system.  The Speedpass system is described as a wand, in the fact that the customer waves it in front of the Speedpass symbol to initiate a transaction (Roberts, 2008).  The “wand” is an RFID transporter which holds the customer’s information which enables the store to verify the customer’s information, process the transaction, and print a receipt.

Types of technology such as these are evolving to do just more than what they were originally intended.  For instance, with the Speedpass, customers can not only pay for their gas with a wave of their card, they can also purchase car washes (Roberts, 2008).  This is a great example of how companies are continuously evolving their technologies in order to continuously satisfy the customer’s needs.

Another example of pervasive computing is Continental Airlines who uses RFID tags to track passenger bags, while Delta Airlines is tagging customer bags with RFID technology to reduce the number of lost bags and make it easier to route bags if customers change their flight plans.

One of my favorite retail stores, Maurices, recently exchanged my paper customer loyalty punch card for an e-card.  The difference between the punch card and the e-card is that now, all my information is saved electronically, and even if I were to lose my card, they would still have my total punches saved in the system.  Thus, they are making it even easier for customers to take advantage of the company’s punch card program.  Furthermore, since the card is able to track all of my purchases, there is no need to have to keep track of my receipts.  Since all my purchases are stored in the system, the employees are able to look back and confirm the original purchase and purchase price.

A school that I used to attend used RFID tags as the student IDs.  But these IDs were so much more than just a photo of me.  The card actually held my student information and loan and grant funds.  From there, I was able to use the card to purchase items from the book store, rent books from the library, login to the school computers, and pay for prints in the computer lab.  It was just one card, but it did so much.  The convenience factor of not having to carry around cash was a great way for a student like me to keep track of their expenses every quarter.

Furthermore, the mobile world is ever changing and evolving in ways that make pervasive computing more and more present.  For instance, companies like Wells Fargo are realizing the importance of mobile apps that enable their customers to do things that they would normally do in store.  Transferring funds, checking balances, and paying bills has never been easier since the adaption of mobile apps.  Companies like Wells Fargo are recognizing the need for the ability to have instant gratification when it comes to their customer’s needs.

With the evolvement of mobile devices, wireless internet, and RFID tags, society is getting used to instant gratification when it comes to making purchases.  RFID tags can usually be read automatically by static wireless readers which cut costs.  Generation Z is being brought up in a world of instant satisfaction.  Whereas Generation X is still getting used to the concept.  I think that there is still a bit of a digital divide when it comes to the adaption of mobile apps, RFID tags, and wireless.  However, as companies make technology easier to use and adapt to, the more each generation will be able to adapt and utilize the technology to its fullest.

In sum, wireless networks, mobile devices, and RFID tags are enabling consumers to shop use services with ease and convenience.  Society will continue to evolve and adapt to this instant gratification piece, which will forever change the way us as consumers do business.

References

Milburn., R. (n.d.). RFID tags commodity to end-user Wireless technology provides a unique number for each item and a powerful means of tracking and tracing products. Ebscohost, Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=101&sid=0b3c9192-747b-42b8-8e00-6a0321b7bb2d%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=ffd3a5fb&AN=

Roberts, M. L. (2008). Internet Marketing. Mason: Southwest Cengage Learning.

Tanner, H. E. (2009). Sales Management. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.