The continuous multiplication of new computing technologies and technologies related to sensing devices, as well as the ever-increasing demand for high-data-demand applications both at the network edges and in the cloud, lead to a paradigm shift in computing towards dynamic, intelligent, and continuous interconnection of resources from the Internet of Things, edges, and cloud into a unified computing system that creates a continuum. Many research initiatives aim at developing some form of management layer to appropriately handle this continuum. At the same time, there are several solutions targeting the management of systems at both the network edges and the cloud, but these do not adequately address the challenges arising from managing the continuum.

Undoubtedly, the next step concerns the design of an extensive, open, secure, reliable, adaptable, technology-independent, and far more comprehensive management strategy, which fully covers the continuum - from the Internet of Things to the edge to the cloud - clearly targeted at network connection across the entire stack. This strategy must leverage ready-made technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, data, etc.) but also be capable of hosting new services as technological advancements progress.

The ICOS research program aims to address all the challenges derived from the continuum paradigm, as it proposes an approach that integrates a fully defined set of functionalities, resulting in the definition of an Internet of Things to Cloud Operating System (ICOS). Indeed, the main goal of the ICOS research program is the design, development, and validation of a meta-operating system for the continuum, addressing the following challenges: