NSDR '12 Call for Papers

Overview

The 6th USENIX/ACM Workshop on Networked Systems for Developing Regions (NSDR '12) will provide a venue for researchers to propose and discuss ideas concerning the design, implementation, and evaluation of new computing and communications technologies to support the sustainable development of developing regions.

NSDR specifically focuses on the technical networking and systems research challenges that arise in the design, implementation, and deployment of new computing solutions appropriate for developing regions. In these settings, conventional solutions are often inappropriate and new research approaches and innovative designs and techniques are often required. NSDR solicits papers that either highlight important networking and systems challenges in this space or describe the deployment and evaluation of novel technologies or applications that address a specific need.

Papers, Topics of Interest

We encourage the submission of position papers or the results of preliminary work describing interesting, original, previously unpublished ideas or results pertaining to the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of networks and systems for developing regions.

Accepted papers will:

• Propose new research directions;
• Target a specific application;
• Inform design and/or deployment; and/or
• Generate lively debate at the workshop.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Low-cost wireless connectivity
• Intermittent and delay-tolerant systems
• Rural network planning
• Spectrum management protocols and techniques
• Mechanisms for emergency and urgent communications
• Location-aware systems
• Power-efficient systems
• Low-cost computing devices
• Mobile systems and applications
• Middleware and mechanisms for minimizing energy, latency, and storage (caching, etc.)
• Adapting content and applications for local languages
• User interfaces for low-literacy populations
• Shared access devices and infrastructure, including personalization and privacy concerns
• Design and evaluation of applications and in-depth case studies in the areas of public health, microfinance, agriculture, e-governance, education, monitoring, disaster management, etc.

Submission Instructions

Submissions must be no greater than 6 pages in length (including figures and references) and must follow the USENIX formatting guidelines: 10 point type on 12 point (single-spaced) leading, with the text block being no more than 6.5" wide by 9" deep. Submissions must also follow the formatting guidelines and instructions, must be in the form of a PDF file, and must be submitted via the Web form.

Submissions that deviate from these guidelines will be rejected without consideration. Reviews will be single-blind: authors' names and affiliations should be included in the submission. Authors of accepted papers are expected to present their papers at the workshop.

Simultaneous submission of the same work to multiple venues, submission of previously published work, or plagiarism constitutes dishonesty or fraud. USENIX, like other scientific and technical conferences and journals, prohibits these practices and may take action against authors who have committed them. See the USENIX Conference Submissions Policy for details. Questions? Contact your program co-chairs, nsdr12chairs@usenix.org, or the USENIX office, submissionspolicy@usenix.org.

Papers accompanied by nondisclosure agreement forms will not be considered. Accepted submissions will be treated as confidential prior to publication on the USENIX NSDR '12 Web site; rejected submissions will be permanently treated as confidential.

All papers will be available online to registered attendees before the workshop. If your accepted paper should not be published prior to the event, please notify production@usenix.org. The papers will be available online to everyone beginning on the day of the workshop, June 15, 2012.