The Challenge of Identifying Value-Creating Ubiquitous Computing Applications

Ubiquitous computing (UbiComp) applications involve large numbers of non-traditional networked computing devices which are often mobile and/or equipped with sensors to collect data. So far there is only limited knowledge on the impact of these technologies on business processes and how these applications can create value. In this paper we consider challenges for identifying value-creating UbiComp applications. For the individual challenges we provide examples from projects on industrial applications of UbiComp technologies in which we were involved. We conclude that companies can pursue two distinct strategies of dealing with these challenges, one aimed at incremental, the other one at more radical innovations