Pervasive Computing (PerCom) is "omni-computing".
Mr. Mayer, 41, was general manager of pervasive computing.
Some researchers call this trend ubiquitous computing or pervasive computing.
In particular, the fundamental differences between pervasive computing and Web 2.0 provide a beacon of hope.
An important question is whether privacy will change as we enter the era of pervasive computing.
He envisions pervasive computing, he said, as a way to make people's lives better, not worse.
One difference is that with pervasive computing, much of the technology becomes tangible and familiar.
At the M.I.T. Media Lab, where many of today's ideas about pervasive computing were born, such criticisms sting.
"Some of the things may not be relevant," said Rodney C. Adkins, general manager of I.B.M.'s pervasive computing division.
Personalisation and customisation Beyond tangibility, the other element at the heart of fully-realised pervasive computing is personalisation and customisation.
As the nature of pervasive computing has personalisation woven into its fabric, it offers the promise for real privacy protection.
