PurposeThe problems with poor performance and quality of ubiquitous applications due to limited computing resources are addressed.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of ad hoc systems is introduced based on the idea that a resource‐limited device may cooperate with computers around to complete a complex task. Subsequently, the adaptive software framework, FRAME, may be improved to realize ad hoc systems.FindingsIt is possible to apply the adaptive software framework to the challenges of ad hoc systems, including a lot of user intervention and unstable computing environments.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research in exploring and utilizing ubiquitous resources to achieve a better user experience.Practical implicationsThe component‐based architecture provides a flexible development approach of ubiquitous applications from the software engineering perspective.Originality/valueOur analysis and experimental results show that the concept of ad hoc systems is practical and can be realized by the adaptive software framework.
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