In conclusion, an ad-hoc network has a number of different constraints which limit the availability of these networks to support distributed applications in an effective manner. As research in ad-hoc network is grows, expect to see significant improvement in existing routing protocols to handle distributed applications in an advanced and efficient fashion.

Dale Troppito and Dawna Paton are managing partners of the Gantry Group. Troppito has guided Gantry's rigorous ROI best practice models based on a 25-year career in the technology sector as a CEO, product development executive and chief marketing officer. You can reach her at dtroppito@gantrygroup.com. Paton believes that the technology leaders of the future will be those that understand the crucial role that a market-validated, value delivery strategy and compelling ROI play in shaping corporate competitiveness and customer satisfaction. You can reach her at dpaton@gantrygroup.com.