Ubiquitous Computing Ubiquitous computing is the universal interconnection of virtually any wireless/wired device nationwide — and beyond — a condition gradually being realized by ongoing advances in the Internet, smart appliances and related technologies. Ubiquitous communication tools can be anything from mobile devices to tiny communication-capable sensors connected to high-speed networks, enabling information to be accessed and sent anytime, anywhere, in other words, ubiquitously. Thanks to wireless connectivity, mobile devices such as laptops, PDAs and phones are now able to communicate from almost anywhere — inexpensively and at very high speeds — giving users great freedom in choosing when, where and how to be connected. In addition, tiny, “smart” sensors transmitting information, such as position or temperature, enable a wide range of information to be assimilated into once-inconceivable services, such as: • Real-time online tracking of air freight and courier packages • Remote detection/counteraction for fires, intrusions, etc. in homes and offices • Monitoring and servicing of store customers, hospital patients and mass crowds NTT Communications (NTT Com) is supporting ubiquitous computing with cutting-edge connectivity solutions, such as its “HOTSPOT” wireless LAN connection points spread all over Japan, “V-Portal” voice-based web interface service and, on an international level, the world’s first global-scale LAN Ethernet service.