What are Pervasive Systems?
At their core, all models of pervasive computing (also called ubiquitous computing) share a vision of small, inexpensive, robust networked processing devices, distributed at all scales throughout everyday life and generally turned to distinctly common-place ends. For example, a domestic ubiquitous computing environment might interconnect lighting and environmental controls with personal biometric monitors woven into clothing so that illumination and heating conditions in a room might be modulated, continuously and imperceptibly. Another common scenario posits refrigerators “aware” of their suitably-tagged contents, able to both plan a variety of menus from the food actually on hand, and warn users of stale or spoiled food.
Pervasive or Ubiquitous systems present several challenges across computer science and communications and draw on multidisciplinary expertise from across research groups. Research in the Pervasive systems varies from Wireless Sensing and Sensor Networks, Low-Energy Sustainable Systems to Pervasive Healthcare and Telemedicine.
Why is NU Offering Pervasive Systems?
Today, we are witnessing a convergence of Communications, Computing and Control and therefore there is a dire need for a new discipline with current courses that are relevant to industry today.
The Pervasive Systems (PS) program investigates a new distributed systems paradigm for bringing the flexibility of information technology to bear in every aspect of daily life. It foresees that people will be surrounded by embedded and flexibly networked systems that provide easily accessible yet unobtrusive support for an open-ended range of activities, to enrich daily life and to increase productivity at work.
Pervasive systems represent a major market for the wireless and mobile electronics industries, and are of critical importance to society and the economy. There are numerous industries world-wide that need the expertise in Pervasive Systems. Some of the leading organizations in this space are Nokia, Ericsson, IBM, Microsoft, HP, Dell, GM, GE, Yahoo and Google, to name a few. In India, some of the organizations that have focused efforts in Pervasive Systems are Infosys, Wipro, Sasken and Airtel. In addition to these, there are a large number of start-ups that need experienced researches and engineers in the space of Pervasive Systems.
The program provides competence in pervasive systems by imparting an in-depth understanding in the areas of computing and communications with an emphasis on distributed systems, wireless and mobile networks, sensor networks, telecom and telematics. Several important areas such as Security Engineering are added to the program so as to make it highly relevant to the industry today.
It is with this consideration in mind that NU has embarked on the M. Tech. in Pervasive Systems program that attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The major thrust is towards integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. This kind of integrated approach is available at only a few universities in the country.
Whom is the M.Tech. Pervasive Systems program for?
The program is open to engineering graduates of select specializations, MCAs and M.Sc. degree holders from specific specialization (see eligibility criteria for details). In particular, the program is intended for professionals working in relevant areas and who are sponsored by their employers.
Key benefits to organizations having M.Tech. (Pervasive Systems) degree holders
This program gives an opportunity to sponsoring organization to expose their employees to those aspects of Pervasive Systems that they would not normally be involved in (refer list of courses). This opens the possibility of rapid reallocation of engineers to different functional areas as per the need of the project. Needless to mention, this would also create channels for their growth within the organization. The program would also supplement the efforts of in-house training and development divisions of sponsoring organizations which are usually overloaded with the training of fresh engineering graduates to make them productive.
Key benefits to professionals with M.Tech. (Pervasive Systems)
M.Tech. (Pervasive Systems) of NU is not just another Master’s degree in technology. The professional undergoing this program will get a 360O exposure to pervasive systems that starts with fundamentals of mobile, wireless networks and ends with an in-depth understanding of the properties of such systems, e.g., reliability, security and scalability. The program focuses on protocols, architecture and end-to-end performance, rather than teaching traditional computing and communications courses in separate, water-tight compartments. This is expected to groom students to become pervasive system engineers who would be able to appreciate the convergence that is taking place in the industry in computing, communications & control. The pervasive system engineer would be well equipped to think of new services and applications in industries ranging from the Automotive and Aeronautical sectors to Healthcare and Telecom, Telematics sectors.