Software Above the Level of A Single Device
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Concept
To develop software that is not only able to run on just a personal computer but extends its boundaries to portable devices or other types of electronic devices.
Overview
Software above the level of a single device is one of the six concepts in Tim Riley’s article called, “What is Web 2.0.” Tim got the title of this specific concept from Dave Stutz’s parting letter to Microsoft. Dave’s two last sentences were the following: “Useful software written above the level of the single device will command high margins for a long time to come. Stop looking over your shoulder and invent something!”
Over time software has been developed for the use on a specific type of device. Both Time Riley and Dave Stutz talk about the future and the usefulness that applications can have when developed with the ability to run on multiple kinds of devices. Today we are just barely touching what this concept is about. As we move forward with developing software above the level of a single device, we will be able to do things that were once confined to one specific device to many.
Examples
iTunes: iTunes is an application that not only runs on a personal computer but also on its portable device the iPod. You can store music on your computer and listen to it but then you can also hook up your iPod and synch up the music on both devices. With this you can not only listen to the music at home on your computer but you can listen to the same music while on the move.
Windows Mobile: This is a Microsoft operating system that is meant to run on mobile cellular devices. At one time, operating systems were thought of to be run on stationary machines. Microsoft has developed a line of operating system that run on mobile devices that include the ability to use version of Microsoft Office. You can now check your email from your cell phone or open important documents if you are nowhere near a laptop or computer.
YouTube: You can watch YouTube videos from the comfort of your home but if you happen to have and iPod Touch you can enjoy the videos from that. Or if you happen to have a PS3 that is connected to the internet there is the ability to watch YouTube videos from that console.