Abstract
Networked multimedia applications are a proliferating new feature of the emerging
National Information Infrastructure (NII). Such applications employ a
variety of information technologies and services to make motion and still
pictures, richly formatted text and hypertext, sound and data available
to information appliances over networks. The results are new, attractive
communications capabilities which are valued by end-users. For maximum user
acceptance, the capabilities of information appliances and the communications
services that interconnect them must be well matched to specific applications
for multimedia features to work well.
The Cross-Industry Working Team (XIWT) member companies have delineated a
set of core capabilites needed to support effective networked multimedia
applications. Using these capabilities as a guide, five NII Class
designations or profiles are proposed. The NII Class Profiles are intended
to associate information appliance and communications services capabilities
with applications requirements. These class designations can serve two
purposes: 1) to establish a framework for common understanding and basis
for cooperation among information industry stakeholders, and 2) as a guide
to inform consumers about product capablilities to assist their purchasing
choices.
Proposed implementation is through a to-be-developed "Servicemark" program,
e.g., NII Class "X" Capable, with an appropriate logo. Industry leadership
will provide increased marketing opportunities for all NII stakeholders,
and more satisfied consumers.
