Managing Pervasive Computing and Ubiquitous Communications: A Report on APNOMS 2003

Abstract

The 7th Asia-Pacific Network Operations and Management Symposium (APNOMS 2003) was held during October 1–3, 2003 in Fukuoka, Japan. APNOMS 2003, which was organized by IEICE TM (The Institute of Electronics Information and Communication Engineers, Telecommunication Management Committee) and KICS KNOM (The Korean Institute of Communication Science, Korean Network Operations and Management Committee) with support from IEEE CNOM (Committee on Network Operations and Management), IEEE APB (Asia Pacific Board), IEEE ComSoc Japan Chapter and TMF (TeleManagement Forum), has continued to play an important role in exchanging and discussing all aspects of telecommunications management among academics and telecommunication industry at large in the Asia-Pacific region. As in the previous symposia [1–5], APNOMS 2003 was a great success, attracting about 250 researchers, practitioners, operators, and vendors from 10 countries. Its program included keynote speeches, tutorials, special sessions, technical sessions, poster sessions, a distinguished experts panel, and exhibitions. The theme of this symposium was “Managing Pervasive Computing and Ubiquitous Communications.” The concept of “ubiquitous society” frequently appears in mass media, and it spreads a roseate dream and image to the future human life. Application examples include, inventory management, product tracking and tracing, home automation, home and community security management, and environment protection. Governments are trying to push research and development in ubiquitous-related areas. Industries are seeking business opportunities in the near future. In the coming ubiquitous society, it will be hard, or in some cases