The workshop follows from the previous four that were held in the USA and Far-East and build on the increasing requirements for network connectivity of all manner of devices. As more and more appliances in homes and offices - lights, toasters, refrigerators, TVs, printers, faxes, etc. - become digital and intelligent, networking them together offers intriguing possibilities

and challenges. 

In the future, not only will we be able to control and exchange information between devices but also enhance their capabilities through interactive synergy resulting in new application areas.

This workshop will explore a wide range of technical issues. Presentations will cover various appliance interconnection approaches, mechanisms and technologies, as well as the challenges of networking the devices to achieve interoperability. While the home network environment has been the focus of much Networked Appliance work, we also expect presentations on appliance devices, applications and the business case for them. Technical information is available from Prof. Madjid Merabti, LJMU; +44(0)151-231-2284; M.Merabti@livjm.ac.uk. For corporate sponsorship information / registration assistance please contact Carol Oliver via e-mail: c.oliver@livjm.ac.uk.