Email, text message, phone... whichever you prefer

The New Scientist says that Smart switching could solve communication tangle . It reports that IBM engineers are developing systems that would allow users to choose their mode of communication even if it differs from that used by the person at the other end.
"The new system, which IBM calls Mercury, will track where you are at work, at home, in the street and plug you into the medium you prefer in that location, whether it be cellphone, email, instant messaging, pager or landline phone."
As Dave Greenop points out - referring me to the item - it fits well with the personal net ideas we discussed in Leeds.
The New Scientist item plays up the benefits the system offers in allowing you to choose context-sensitive communication '"by detecting whether a laptop is running a presentation, for example. You could then set it to refrain from sending a message that would interrupt a business presentation, but allow it through if a game is being played."
The system could also be useful in allowing people to choose that model of communication they prefer personally. However, it may be tough if you are a fast-talking phone user waiting on a slow typist... or trying to make sense on screen of a translated-to-text phone gabble.....