Multiware Database: A Distributed Object Database System for Multimedia Support

This paper describes the Multiware Database, a database capable to store and manage complex multimedia documents using the features of both object database management systems and open distributed systems. This multimedia database is a component of the Multiware project1, a platform supporting distributed multimedia cooperative applications. Representation of multimedia documents in this system is normalized, in the sense that distinct aspects of documents, such as structural and exhibition aspects, are stored as distinct objects in the database. This normalization enables concise representations and integration of distinct multimedia standards within the same framework.