Open architectures for integrated, hypermedia-based information systems

Information systems are often implemented as closed, monolithic applications that isolate information and functionality from other applications in a computing environment. Open hypermedia architectures, on the other hand, tend to promote information and tool integration. We examine hypermedia and information system integration from a technical perspective, and argue the case for using open system techniques to achieve integration. We believe that specialized information systems should be integrated into an overarching hypermedia model and system architecture in order to bring hypermedia functionality to these systems. This approach optimizes the functional partitioning, extensibility, scalability, and overall capability of a hypermedia-based computing environment. By way of example, we describe our experiences developing an open hypermedia system prototype, called SP2, that satisfies many of the requirements for large-scale integration of diverse information systems.<>