Many different types of solutions go into creating an Always On world.

I’ve talked here often of medical applications for Always On, where you wear a monitor (or have it implanted) that connects to the network and can alert you (or others) to dangerous changes in your physical condition, thus saving your life.

I have also talked of inventory applications for Always On, in which RFID tags or bar codes give you a ready inventory of your stuff. This lets you, for instance, find your keys, or check the fridge to see what you need for tonight’s dinner.

But the low-hanging fruit lies in automation applications. CABA (it stands for Continental Automated Buildings Association) is one of the trade groups involved here. They work mainly with landlords who want to save money on utilities, provide security, and keep track of what’s happening in lots of space so as to minimize labor costs.

They don’t call what they do Always On, but they’ve got the religion. (They’ve even got a trade show for a fourth Always On application space, entertainment.

My point here is it doesn’t matter to me what you call this. Call it pervasive computer, call it the automated home, call it Always On. Call it sour, call it kraut if you like. But don’t call it late for supper.

Supper time is coming fast.