The Design and Implementation of an Open Hypermedia System

Description/Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of Microcosm, an open hypermedia system. It examines the limitations of the initial prototype and describes the redesign that resulted in Microcosm version 2.0,.as well as details of its implementation. The new model has a greatly enhanced filter mechanism for handling the back-end processes of the system, such as link database access. The filter system can be easily extended and used to implement new functions within Microcosm. The paper describes how this capability has been utilised to provide a simple set of navigation tools. Finally the paper explores the implications of the model and potential future enhancements.