Interactive Computer Systems Videotex and Multimedia

Focusing on the business aspects of interactive systems, this book pays particular attention to applications involving videotex and multimedia. The author describes the technology of these systems, presents case studies detailing their applications, and offers a methodology for planning and producing such systems. Managers, planners, and academics who wish to apply information technology for operational and strategic ends will find no other book more practical, readable, or comprehensive.

1. The Business Scene.- 1.1. The Changing Business Environment.- 1.2. Rise of the Computer Culture.- 1.3. The Information Investment.- 1.4. Summary.- References.- 2. Enhanced Systems.- 2.1. General Features.- 2.2. Enhanced Business Applications.- 2.3. Impact on Data Processing.- 2.4. Summary.- References.- 3. Computer Options.- 3.1. System Characteristics.- 3.2. Configurations.- 3.3. Architecture.- 3.4. The Art of Obfuscation.- 3.5. Summary.- References.- 4. The Workbench.- 4.1. Equipment Features.- 4.2. Limited-Intelligence Terminals.- 4.3. Microprocessors.- 4.4. Computer Telephones.- 4.5. Picture and Video Terminals.- 4.6. Public Access Terminals.- 4.7. Developing a Corporate Policy for Enhanced Terminals.- 4.8. Summary.- References.- 5. Connectivity.- 5.1. Communications.- 5.2. Storage and Transmission.- 5.3. Summary.- References.- 6. Communications Services.- 6.1. Some Terminology.- 6.2. Public Systems.- 6.3. Private Systems.- 6.4. Summary.- References.- 7. The Path to Applications.- 7.1. Gateways.- 7.2. Code of Practice: Gateways.- 7.3. Open Network Architecture.- 7.4. Hypothetical Enhanced Service Offering.- 7.5. Summary.- References.- 8. Software.- 8.1. Classifying Software.- 8.2. Functions.- 8.3. Software Products.- 8.4. Authoring Software.- 8.5. Selecting Software and Living with the Decision.- 8.6. Summary.- References.- 9. Laying the Groundwork.- 9.1. Selling the System.- 9.2. Nurturing Expectations.- 9.3. Economic Realities.- 9.4. Staffing Considerations.- 9.5. Summary.- References.- 10. Planning and Producing the Infobase: Part 1.- 10.1. An Example of a Focused Infobase.- 10.2. Developing Quasi Standards.- 10.3. Planning and Designing the Infobase.- 10.4. Summary.- References.- 11. Planning and Producing the Infobase: Part 2.- 11.1. Preproduction.- 11.2. Production.- 11.3. Reviewing and Editing.- 11.4. Record Keeping.- 11.5. Auditing and Rejuvenating the System.- 11.6. Summary.- References.- 12. Survey of Enhanced Information Systems.- 12.1. Mail Survey.- 12.2. Orientation and Objectives.- 12.3 Technology.- 12.4. Design and Implementation.- 12.5. Problems, Pitfalls, and Complaints.- 12.6. Evolution and Impact.- 12.7. Summary.- 13. Cases: Implementing Operational Systems.- 13.1 Clark Distribution Services, Inc.: Clark Net II.- 13.2. National Library of Medicine.- 14. Cases: Implementing Strategic Systems.- 14.1. E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.- 14.2. Fort Worth Star-Telegram—Startext.- 14.3. Ford Motor Company.- 14.4. AMR Corporation—EAASY SABRE.- 15. Cases: Public Access Terminals.- 15.1. Franklin Institute Science Museum—Unisystem.- 15.2. General Motors Corporation: The Town Crier.- 15.3. Merck & Company—Heartfelt Advice.- Appendix A. Survey of Enhanced Information Systems.- Appendix B. Acronyms and Abbreviations.- Appendix C. Glossary.