Hypermedia systems: An introduction

For the support of mega-quantities of documents there are now emerging radically new communication and general information systems. In this paper we suggest that although many {open_quotes}first generation{close_quotes} systems currently being used have major drawbacks, the {open_quotes}second generation systems{close_quotes} that are appearing address these problems. We also suggest that since few people appreciate the ramifications of new high-resolution graphics technology, the term {open_quotes}multimedia{close_quotes} is frequently used with too narrow a meaning. It can be argued that hypermedia systems can revolutionize all work, leisure, and lifelong learning. This paper considers, under each of these headings, the implications of the new technology. One thing is certain: the impact will be tremendous and irresistible. Before long, organizations will not be able to afford not to use hypermedia.