Issues in Multimedia Computer-Based Message System Design and Standardization

Computer-based message systems are increasingly being used for formal and informal communication, supporting the exchange of textual messages. However such nontext media as voice and graphics are very important for human communication. As a result, there is a growing need for the support of media other than text in such systems.This paper addresses various technical issues that will be decisive for the future implementation and standardization of multimedia message systems. Such issues range from new mechanisms for the distribution of multimedia mail to the design of editing tools for nontext media.