PLASTIC - Providing Lightweight and Adaptable Service Technology for pervasive Information and Communication

Ubiquitous networking provides mobile users with unique features for seamlessly accessing networked services. However, service provisioning for B3G distributed computing platforms faces numerous challenges, among which are: developing services that can be easily deployed on a wide range of evolving infrastructures, from networks of devices to standalone wireless resourceconstrained handheld devices; making services resource-aware so that they can benefit from networked resources and related services; and ensuring that users always experience the best Quality of Service (QoS) possible according to their specific situation. In addition, services must be provisioned in a way that guarantees their dependability. The PLASTIC project will develop a comprehensive provisioning platform for software services deployed over B3G networks. The project will build upon both Web services and more standard component-based technologies. The PLASTIC platform will specifically integrate innovative methods and tools for service development, from design to validation, and a supporting middleware for service provisioning in B3G networks. The platform will enable dynamic adaptation of services to the environment with respect to resource availability and delivered QoS, via a development paradigm based on Service Level Agreements and resource-aware programming. The middleware will be service oriented, to enable integration and composition of heterogeneous software services from both infrastructure-based and ad hoc networks. The middleware will integrate key functions for supporting the management of adaptive services in the open wireless environment, dealing with resource awareness and dependability. The project will assess the PLASTIC platform through representative and challenging mobile e-services, specifically eVoting, eLearning, eHealth and eBusiness. Key assessment factors will include cost, quality and dependability, as well as the innovativeness of the services created.