Using a reference model for information system compatibility: an experience

Because of the rapid pace of advances in the field of hypertext, data interchange systems are becoming important for the longevity of information systems based on hypertext or including hypertext features. Reference models, identifying those traits that are common to all systems of a certain kind allow us to create an intermediate data format useful for data interchange. The Dexter Hypertext Reference Model appears the most apt to capture all the different aspects of hypertext systems. We present some issues that are central in developing the interchange procedure between a hypertext information system and the Dexter model, examine some of the difficulties we faced when dealing with Dexter, and sketch, as an example, the formal model of our hypertext system RHYTHM along the lines of the Dexter Model. With a little flexibility and some minor modifications, we were able to generate a satisfactory model of RHYTHM, and this shows that Dexter has a very robust structure capable of dealing with an unexpectedly large class of hypertext systems.<>