Decentralized network system

A decentralized network system provides for the distribution and collection of information (or messages) without the constraints of a large physical infrastructure. A decentralized network system includes a plurality of first nodes, each first node having a memory for storing messages, a processor for processing messages in accordance with a predetermined relationship and a communications port for transmitting and receiving messages. The first nodes are attached to some physical device or to a location. A plurality of mobile second nodes is also provided. Each second node includes a memory for storing messages, a processor for creating messages in response to user input and for processing messages in accordance with a predetermined relationship and a communications port for transmitting and receiving messages. Preferably, each second node is a personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile second nodes are moved by users, who provide the means for transmitting messages from one first node to another first node. Transmission of a message from one node to another node is accomplished through a sequence of message exchanges between pairs of first nodes and second nodes.