Unifying User-to-User Messaging

Unification of user-to-user messaging systems facilitates message exchange independent of time, place, protocol, and end-user device. This article describes an approach to unification that is based on introducing a middleware layer instead of employing gateways. It entails a single system that provides common services such as email, fax, and short messaging, but that can also enable novel services that current messaging systems can't support. The authors also describe how the model can be efficiently implemented on a global scale

Pervasive Messaging

Pervasive messaging is the part of pervasive computing that enables users to communicate with each other. Many of today's electronic messaging systems have their own distinct merits and peculiarities. Pervasive messaging will have to shield the user from these differences. In this paper, we introduce a taxonomy for electronic messaging systems, providing a uniform way to analyze, compare, and discuss electronic messaging systems. With this taxonomy, we analyze the current practice, demonstrating its shortfalls. To overcome these shortfalls, we introduce a novel messaging model: The Unified Messaging System. This system can, in fact, mimic any electronic messaging system, thus providing powerful unified messaging

Simplified Distributed Programming with Micro Objects

Developing large-scale distributed applications can be a daunting task. object-based environments have attempted to alleviate problems by providing distributed objects that look like local objects. We advocate that this approach has actually only made matters worse, as the developer needs to be aware of many intricate internal details in order to adequately handle partial failures. The result is an increase of application complexity. We present an alternative in which distribution transparency is lessened in favor of clearer semantics. In particular, we argue that a developer should always be offered the unambiguous semantics of local objects, and that distribution comes from copying those objects to where they are needed. We claim that it is often sufficient to provide only small, immutable objects, along with facilities to group objects into clusters.Comment: In Proceedings FOCLASA 2010, arXiv:1007.499

Instruction document on multimedia formats:optimal accessibility of audio, video and images

We increasingly express ourselves through multimedia. Internet traffic already consists for the most part of audio and video. A variety of formats are used for this purpose, often without due consideration. This document provides a background for choices that can be made for making video and audio available. In this context, open standards are (at present) less common than closed standards. Nevertheless, open standards are more useful in terms of sustainable access to multimedia content. This document provides an insight into the relevant considerations to help you make the right choice when selecting formats

Handreiking multimediaformaten: naar optimale toegang van audio, video en afbeeldingen

Multimedia maken meer en meer deel uit van de manier waarop we ons dagelijks uitdrukken; audio en video maken inmiddels het overgrote deel uit van het internetverkeer. Daarbij maken we gebruik van allerhande formaten, soms zonder daar goed bij stil te staan. Deze handreiking geeft achtergrond bij de de keuzes die u kunt maken om video en audio beschikbaar te stellen. Open Standaarden zijn daarbij (nog) minder gangbaar dan gesloten standaarden, maar zijn wel in opkomst en dragen bovendien beter bij aan duurzame toegankelijkheid. Deze handreiking geeft inzicht in afwegingen die relevant zijn bij de keuze voor formaten en helpt u de juiste keus te maken