By now you have come out of the conventional ideas of a computer whether in regard to its physical appearance or its functionalities and seen the multifarious fields of activities in which the principle is operative irrespective of the physical appearances of the device. With electronic devices becoming ubiquitous, it is important to know and understand the latest trends and anticipate what is coming in the near future. It is a process of continuous evolution, constantly updating and improving in efficiency and functionality.

Not only the computer system has become faster, compact and inexpensive but associated communication system has also become affordable, reliable and user friendly.

The processing speed of the computers is getting nearly doubled and every year a new processor is released. Still research is going on to look for different avenues for improving computer processing using improved materials, nanotechnology, multi core processors, quantum computers, etc.

The emerging trends in the field of CCT is also focussed on research and development on energy efficient systems, wireless and optical communication, biometric, security system, multimedia and on demand software. This chapter will broadly focus on the following fields.

1) Hardware

2) Semiconductor

3) Communication system

4) Quantum Computing

5) Software

6) Nanotechnology

13.1 EMERGING TRENDS IN HARDWARE

The advancements in CCT are bringing us devices in miniaturised forms like digital cameras, cell phones, iPods and flash disks etc.

13.1.1 Storage Devices

In computer storage, the trend is towards increased capacity in terms of memory and processing speed on one side and reduction in size and cost on the other side.

Today, the type of data is no more merely text documents, it is in multimedia form which require more memory space for storage. The research in this field led to development of storage devices like iPod, Pen-drives, flash disks, DVDs which have capacities to store data upto a maximum of 50GB as on today. An iPod can store music, videos, documents, pictures and games. Their storage capacity varies from 1GB to 80GB.

Figure 13.1 : An iPod

Hard Disk

We have seen tremendous growth in the hard disk capacities over years which is expected to grow even further. Hard disk drives have become faster, with faster seek time, larger cache sizes, and higher interface speeds. One of the most important parameters for improving performance is the higher spindle speed, effectively improving the internal data rate and reducing latency. Nanotechnology has played an active part in reducing the size of hard disks and in the increase of their capacities.

Hybrid Hard Disk Drive (HHDD) is a newer technology where the conventional disk drive is combined with non-volatile flash memory, of typically 128MB or more to cache data during normal use. The data is initially stored in non-volatile memory before permanently storing it in the hard disk. Enterprise HDDs are specifically designed for mission-critical applications such as core servers and large-scale storage systems. The first hybrid hard disk drives were 2.5 inch drives for notebooks.

Whole Disk Encryption/Full Disk Encryption (FDE) is a new technology (hardware or software) where data is encrypted before storage. This prevents unauthorised access or retrieval of data.

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems [MEMS]-based storage is a new technology being developed as a new age storage media due to its attractive features such as small size, shock resistance, and low-power consumption. MEMS-based storage is anticipated to be widely used for mobile consumer electronics.

Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)

Emerging trends in RAID allows us to save expensive rack space and reduce co-location costs.

3-D Optical Data Storage

3D optical data storage is a new technology where data is stored in multiple layers in the optical disc. Laser beam is used for reading and writing the data from/to an optical disc. The disc contains many layers of data, each at a different depth in the media and each consisting of a DVD-like spiral track (Figure 13.3).

Holographic Memory

Network Storage

Network storage allows consolidating all data spread over various parts of the organisation into one location, from where it is accessed by multiple applications across the network simultaneously. There are two technologies which are being used - SAN and NAS.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

Storage Area Network (SAN) is an architecture where the different secondary storage devices like hard disk arrays, tape drive etc. are attached to remote computer storage devices and all the servers are connected to the SAN through the SAN switch and the servers can access data as local disk drives. The remote storage devices are shared by multiple servers simultaneously (Figure 13.4).

Figure 13.4 : Storage Area Network (SAN)

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Network Attached Storage (NAS) uses remote computer with storage devices which are connected through TCP/IP network as shown in Figure 13.5. It uses file-based protocols such as Network File System or Common Internet File System (CIFS). All the servers and storage devices are connected through LAN or WAN.

Figure 13.5 : Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Online storage options

There are several companies which provide online storage to enable the user to store data on their servers. These services are offered to the Internet users freely but with limited storage. Network and distributed file systems, and Internet-based data centres are some examples of online storage implementations.

Peripheral/Interface

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is used for connecting peripherals to PC. The popularity of USB is due to its low cost, ease-of-use, and small connector size. It is easy to add USB support to any peripheral. Latest USB trends are discussed in the following section.

USB in embedded systems

USB has a vast number of applications in embedded systems like cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, printers, and set top boxes.

Figure13.6 : USB embedded massage ball

Wireless USB

Wireless USB allows low-speed devices to connect without wire, but appear to the host as if they are connected over wired USB. Wireless USB (Figure 13.7) is an ideal solution for simple cable replacement applications.

Figure 13.7 : Wireless USB

13.1.2 MICROPROCESSOR

A microprocessor is a multipurpose programmable logic device that reads binary instructions from a storage device called memory, accepts binary data as input and processes data according to those instructions and provides results as output.

The conventional basic function of a single microprocessor has been changed to more complex microprocessor architecture. Instead of single microprocessor, packages of multiple microchips and processors are released which fulfil and meet the performance requirement for a computing system for a particular application. These packages are simply installed into standard interface on motherboards.

Similarly the Core 2 processor refers to two separate dual-core dies (CPUs) – next to each other – in one quad-core package.

Xeon processors refer to many families of Intel’s multiprocessing CPUs – for dual-processor (DP) and multi-processor (MP) configuration on a single motherboard. They are used for server and workstation computers. It has been maintained over several generations of x86 and x86-64 processors. The Xeon CPUs generally have more cache than their desktop counterparts, in addition to multiprocessing capabilities.

Figure 13.8 : Intel dual core 2

13.2 EMERGING TRENDS IN SEMICONDUCTORS

Use of innovative technologies like Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI), Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), capacitor-less memory, Micro-Optic-Electro-Mechanical-System (MOEMS), III-V compound materials-on-insulator and others have improved the performance and also reduced the size of consumer electronic devices.

Apart from the development of innovative designs, researchers are also exploring materials other than Silicon to develop high speed electronic chips. One such example is Graphene, which is a form of pure carbon where – a single layer of carbon atoms are arranged in a honeycomb lattice. It could allow electrons to process information and produce radio transmissions 10 times better than silicon-based devices. Usage of Graphene will produce faster and more powerful cell phones, computers and other electronic devices, since the mobility of electrons is more than any existing semiconductor materials, like Silicon, GaAs and carbon nanotubes.

Figure 13.9 : Graphene

Another key area where extensive research is being carried out is the development of application processor of 3D graphics and RAM memories. Research is going on to develop multiple semiconductors into single packages.

13.3 EMERGING TRENDS IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

In communication the trend is to develop integrated multimedia systems such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), IP TV, Video Conferencing, Video on Demand etc. The emphasis is to upgrade the legacy communication system that can support multimedia applications.

Apart from these, technologies are being developed to provide cost effective networking solutions and to extend the network to end user premises. Examples in this area include multi service broadband network, DTH (Direct-To-Home), Fiber-to-home etc.

13.4 EMERGING TRENDS IN Quantum COMPUTING

Since the invention of Optical fiber and Lasers, use of light in computers and communication systems is being increasingly explored. Quantum computing means using light instead of electricity for data storage and transmission. Optical communication system had brought revolution in the transmission industry and communication network.

Efforts are being made to develop Silicon Lasers to replace silicon electronic chips. This would not only improve the speed, but also give energy efficient devices. Research and development is going on to design optoelectronic devices using optical component with silicon.

The research in the field of photo-electronics would help in developing cost effective next generation devices that would use both electrons and photons to process information. The development of photo-electronic devices is being done with collaborative effort of engineers and scientists from various fields as optics, chemistry, electronics and material science.

Apart from optical communication systems, optical devices such as optical mouse, optical hard disk, optical sensors etc. have been/are being developed to meet consumer electronic sectors.

13.5 EMERGING TRENDS IN SOFTWARE

Computer software and hardware go hand in hand and improvements in one lead to improvement in another. The design of the computer software has seen a paradigm shift – from structured programming to object oriented programming. Open source software is gaining popularity for its readiness to be extended by anyone and applied on any device. Moreover, they are freely available as they are developed by a community of developers.

Initially, software was produced largely by academics and corporate researchers working in collaboration and was not itself seen as a commodity. Variety of software ranging from that used in a mobile phone to the software for designing an aeroplane are available these days.

13.5.1 Operating System

The Operating Systems which do not provide sufficient flexibility to the application developers like UNIX are beaconing obsolete. The latest trend is to design and develop customised application specific Operating Systems which can detect hardware failure and have auto-recovery features.

13.5.2 Application Software

Software development has become a more systematic process where a great emphasis is laid on finding out the user requirement, preparing a process model, demonstrating an early version to its customers (prototyping) and on trying to ensure that the software is free of errors. Moreover, an incremental software development process is followed where a project proceeds in small and manageable steps.

An important trend in software is the use of component driven software development. Here, instead of writing programs from scratch over and over again, software developers can select components from comprehensive libraries of reliable and well documented software components and combine them together to carry out the required purpose.

The latest market trend is to develop Commercial-Off-The-Self (COTS) packages which can meet upto 50% system functionalities and can be used to develop customised applications (which meet the rest of the user requirements). The applications are developed by using existing reusable components of COTS packages and combining them with the new requirement. Such components are required to be useful, easy to use and interoperable which can work across networks, the Internet and with web browsers. Many such packages such as GIS, Simulators, CAD/CAM, SAP etc. are available in the market and applications are being developed using these COTS packages.

There are enormous number of application software catering to our needs. The capabilities are increasing day by day as per needs. Grossly we can categorise them according to their use as :

• Educational and communication software
  
• Design, media and simulation software
  
• Office automation and process mangement software
  
• Control and analysis software
  

Educational and Communication Software

More and more educational software on topics simple to complex, ranging from learning alphabet to experiments on genetics are being developed for learning purposes. In this category, the Edutainment Software are getting more and more popular because the presentations are done in multimedia form and have educational value in entertaining way. Thus learning becomes a stress free and enjoyable exercise to the user. A few indigenous multimedia software are Milestone in Genetics, Locus, Ray Optics, etc.

The Learning Management System (LMS) are software which manage user learning interventions. Most of the LMSs are web-based and go far beyond conventional training records management and reporting (e.g. ATuTor, Moodle, Brihaspati-II, Enrich). They cater to the needs of the user in training workflow (e.g. user notification, manager approval, waitlist management), the provision of on-line learning, on-line assessment, collaborative learning (e.g. application sharing, discussion threads), training resource management like instructors, facilities, equipment. They are used by regulated industries and also educational institutions. They are based on a variety of platforms like Java/J2EE, .net and PHP and use a database as backend.

Design, Media and Simulation Software

The advancements in CCT have not only resulted in higher processing speed, increased storage capacity and reduced price but also has brought out variety of high resolution output devices capable of displaying many millions of colours and shades and serving to a particular purpose.

The Media development software caters to the needs of people who generate print and electronic media, usually in educational and commercial settings. CatGrab (a digital camera software) for Windows, Track ‘n share your GPS adventures!, Ashampoo 3D CAD Architecture are some media development softwares used.

Using Image organiser one can resize, tag digital images, organise pictures into albums by drag and drop, can export the pictures for external use (by e-mail or print). Some examples are Falco Icon Studio 4.8, Tif Joiner etc.

Graphic art software are primarily used for graphic design, multimedia development, specialised image development, general image editing and accessing graphic files. Ashampoo Photo Optimiser FREE, Ashampoo Photo Commander, ACX Diashow XL are such kind of software.

Image editing software allows us to manipulate and edit scanned images e.g. FastStone image viewer, Falco Icon Studio 4.8, Adobe Photoshop, PhotoPlusSE. Here by using Adobe Photoshop, a coloured picture (Figure 13.11) has been developed from black and white picture (Figure 13.10).

Figure 13.12 : Flowchart prepared using Diagram Designer

Computer Aided Design (CAD) software are used to create two and three-dimensional architectural design. Architects and designers usually make use of it in drafting and designing bridges, buildings, etc. and have been found to be very useful as instead of redrawing the whole plan one can modify or redraw with just a few clicks of mouse. Autodesk Streamline, AutoCAD, DWGcolumn are a few such software. Use of CAD

• saves time in making and editing the drawings
  
• enables the designers to lay out and develop work on the screen
  
• provides print out of the designs
  
• reduces the design cycle and over all product development costs
  
• stores the designs for future purposes in digital form thus occupying practically no space.
  

Simulation software simulates physical or abstract systems for learning, research, training or entertainment purposes. The Social simulators are used for learning the managing of socio economic aspects (e.g., crisis management, cooperation, competition, markets, social network dynamics, etc.). Battlefield simulators are used as war games, they work on theories of warfare. Training is done without the actual hostilities. Since the scope of war is not limited to military only but also political and social too, many governments make use of simulation, to test and refine their military and political policies.

The Flight simulators are mainly used for training of pilots by providing them varying degrees of realism. These are video games or full-size cockpit replicas mounted on hydraulic (or electromechanical) systems, controlled by the computer technology. The advantage is that training can be done in risk free situation. ORBITER is a free flight simulator that goes beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere. The Scientific simulators present data to users in pictorial forms based on some model; which enhances the understanding of relationship among the variables/data being presented. Certain important results are derived.

Office Automation and Process Management Software

There are software designed to streamline and automate different types of work processes. In commercial and business environment a single software can process loan, mortgage, insurance, claim processing, etc. The software can automate office routine, administrative processes. Accounting software e.g. Tally, GnuCash, Turbocash, are used to record and process financial transactions within functional modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and trial balance in a company. In short one can keep track of the expenses, purchases and incomes etc.

Tax preparation software guides us to calculate taxes and fill out tax returns and thus saves us from the complex procedure of calculations.

A transportation software is used in logistics, trucking, supply chain, and automating dispatching, operations and financial systems within an organisation.

Control and Analysis Software

There are software which control the devices by presenting data in the desired format like images or chart etc. Some of the softwares coming under this category are:

• Medical software
  
• Mapping software
  

Medical software

It is a significant branch of software engineering. Many medical devices which are in use today to control or monitor patients are predominantly controlled by software. Given below are types of medical software :

• Monitors interpreters : use software to interpret the data recorded by sensor about the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate of patient and display it in a desired way on the monitor.
  
• Medication pumps interpreters: With the help of software, these devices are programmed to pump at a certain rate, desired amount of blood, saline solution, medication etc. to the patient.
  
• Analysis software : Many devices, such as CAT scanners, measure raw data that a common man cannot interpret. The analysis Software creates images by reinterpreting this data that the doctors can read and understand.
  
• Medical Informatics : It is concerned with the business and informational aspect of medicines.
  

Mapping software

They are also called as Geographic Information System (GIS). They make use of combination of capabilities of programs like database management, graphics and spreadsheet etc. for displaying data graphically, in tabular form, map etc. One can see various data and its patterns and relationships among the data w.r.t. geographical locations. Based on these presentations certain important political, social, educational decisions and predictions (e.g. weather, markets, etc.) can be done which can be useful to farmers, fishermen, professionals, corporates, politicians etc.. Earthquake 3D, ArcGis, GeoNetwork OpenSource, Key Indicator Data System (KIDS) etc. are some examples. The map (Figure 13.13) showing Teacher pupil ratio at primary stage 2002 has been prepared using Geo Media Professional 4.

Pupil Teacher Ratio in Upper Primary Schools, 2002

REFERENCES