Construct an argument as to why indirect communication may be appropriate in volatile
environments. To what extent can this be traced to time uncoupling, space uncoupling or indeed a
combination of both?

What will be an ideal response?

Volatile environments are environments where change is anticipated both in terms of the availability of
computers and the underlying network. Mobile computing is one example of a highly volatile environment
where users may connect and disconnect from the global network and may also experience periods of
disconnection or weak connection because of location. Indirect communication is an appropriate strategy for
such volatile environments for two key reasons:
Firstly, with the potential for failure, it is useful to have a communication mechanism that does not
communicate directly with a given recipient, rather indirectly through an intermediary, providing a level of
freedom for the system to replace, update, replicate or migrate the intended receiver (space uncoupling).
Secondly, with the potential for disconnection (of both sender and receiver), it is useful to have a
communication mechanism that does not rely on both parties being available at the same time to communicate
(time uncoupling).