Vision statement
The centre, led by Professor Colin Pattinson, will conduct high-quality research on the opportunities and challenges created by the increasingly widespread convergence of computing and communications technologies. It will focus on three major research themes, under which a number of individual projects and other activities will be carried out.

The three themes are:

1. Operation - This will include the security, performance and configuration management of networks of converged technologies, and currently comprises a number of PhD research projects and a significant component of the MSc Mobile and Distributed Computer Networks (MDCN). Future developments should include further collaboration with industry to develop short-course material for delivery, and the creation of a new MSc in Network Management together with a reworking of the current MDCN.
2. Software product and process - This will include software process improvement targeted at the specific requirements of supporting mobile and converging technology; testing procedures for such software; pluggable (reusable) code development. Current projects include PhD students and in-house research activities. Future developments in this field will include research into usability issues in mobile-based delivery, in collaboration with the i-centre.
3. Converging technologies and the environment - This is a significant new research area, exploring the IT and computing (ITC) industry's impact on the environment. Current MSc projects include the performance and operation of low-cost computing solutions; wireless broadband for rural communities and there is also short course / CPD work on Open Source solutions. Future developments might include an MSc in "Green Computing", and research activities which will grow from the MSc projects currently underway.