IP integration

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IP integration refers to the concept of adding Internet Protocol communications capability to more and more applications in the real world. It started out as a term referring mainly to the concept of involving the Internet at every level of the normal business operations.

This would mean that the Internet would be used in development, engineering, management, marketing, and accounting. However, with the development of the miniaturization of radio technology for consumer electronics and the development of standardized wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and the related B and G wireless network standards, IP integration is taking a whole new meaning. At first, consumer electronics that included IP integration (both wired and wireless) included a small set of devices, such as personal computer systems and gaming consoles. This has rapidly changed as cell phones, PDAs, and now mobile gaming consoles, have slowly received IP capability.

Predictions of devices that may in the future hold IP capability has ranged from kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator, the cooker (cooking stove), security/fire alarms, televisions/DVR, photo frames, and baby monitors, to integration of household robotic equipment (things such as the Roomba vacuum cleaner) into an increasingly connected world.

IP integration might also influence the development of intelligent systems that are more aware of their functions and the environment that surrounds them. While previously even the most advanced automobile system could only communicate with the driver while he/she was seated in the driver's seat, IP integration may mean that the mechanical and electronic world will seem seamlessly connected to each other and the user. Thus arises the possibility of a car that knows when it is time for an oil change and can even ask permission to schedule one, or automatically schedule an appointment for itself after consulting the owner's planner.