A framework for classifying extensibility mechanisms in hypermedia systems

This paper presents a framework for classifying extensibility mechanisms in hypermedia systems. The framework focuses on six basic aspects that one might discuss in relation to an extensibility mechanism: why; how; when; where; who; and, what. A classification framework such as this is useful in many ways: it provides an overview of the design space of extensibility mechanisms; it provides a system independent way to discuss and examine extensibility mechanisms using a common terminology; and, it allows for comparison and classification of extensibility mechanisms.