Distributed multimedia information handling and processing

Requirements for distributed processing of multimedia information are summarized and compared with the latest efforts in standardization. An approach to a communication model that can be viewed as a special form of a model for open distributed applications is outlined. The functions of a system for the handling of multimedia information and a functional model approach, including a supporting environment, are considered. Synchronization aspects of isochronous and anisochronous communication are also outlined. The model is still under development. Detailed work needs to be done in the areas of formal specification of abstract services and modeling of communication protocols.<>