This is one post in a series, describing challenges we need to overcome to make free software ubiquitous on the desktop.

We’re increasingly living in an always-connected world, with multiple ways to speak with one another at any given time. I might SMS or call a friend, reach them on IRC or SIP-phone, send them email or - once in a blue moon - a handwritten note. Knowing how best to talk with someone at any given time is the challenge - if you’re like me you try the fast-and-light stuff first - a ping on IRC or Jabber - then bring out the heavy guns like email.

“Presence” is all about turning that haphazard process into a systematic framework - making sure that you (well, more accurately your laptop and your cell phone) know how you should reach out and touch the person you want to communicate with.

Full Post.