This report is also available as an Acrobat file.
Contents
Web Futures
Brian Kelly
Protocols
HTML
The HTML language is developing:
- HTML 1 - Tim Berners-Lee initial specification
- HTML 2 - NCSA's extensions implemented by Mosaic (e.g. forms).
- HTML 3 - Currently under discussion, although many new features are
probably finalised (e.g. tables, maths)
- HTML 4 - Ideas being discussed - such as inclusion of a safe, platform
independent authoring language.
Note that ideas for VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) are
currently being discussed. Further information is available at the URL:
http://www.wired.com/vrml
HTTP
HTTP 1.0 is being standardised. Ideas for HTTP/HG are currently being
discussed. Enhancements to security (SHEN, SHHTP) are also being
discussed.
URIs
URIs comprise:
- URL-Uniform Resource Locator
- URN-Uniform Resource Name. An object may be replicated on WWW. A URN may be regarded as the name of a unique object. When a URN is selected a URN-URL resolver will find the "nearest" location of the object.
- URC-Uniform Resource Characteristic (or Citation). Meta-
information about an object, such as keywords, copyright details, cache
expiry dates, etc.
CCI
CCI (Common Client Interface) provides a mechanisms for integrating
applications on the client with WWW browsers. This may be an
important technology for the delivery of distributed teaching services.
Application Areas
The following application areas are likely to become important: e
- Collaborative Systems-Such as WIT.
- MOOs and MUDS-For support of distributed teaching
- Ecash-For charging each other?
- Browser developments-Such as support for CCI and integration with
collaborative systems
Organisational Issues
Involvement with W30 (the World-Wide Web Organisation) is likely to
be of importance to the UK academic community.
Involvement with IETF standardisation groups may be of importance.
Contents