Multiworks - Multimedia Integrated Workstations

Objectives and approach

It is well recognised that the workstation of the 1990's will be characterised by its ability to process multimedia information. This will provide support for the development of new applications that take advantage of the added value provided by combining traditional computer media and information systems with digital video and audio technology.

The goal of MULTIWORKS is to develop an office workstation that manipulates video, graphics, text, voice and sound with facilities comparable to those available today for traditional text and graphics media. This multimedia technology is just emerging in some specialsed products. It is foreseen that a high volume market will develop by 1994. Since the results of MULTIWORKS will be available in 1992, there will be enough time for the industrial partners to evaluate them and incorporate some of the MULTIWORKS components in their multimedia products.

MULTIWORKS will be based on European technology and comply with international standards. Full use will be made of high-performance European hardware and design-on-silicon techniques. MULTIWORKS also uses European technology for its operating system, AI environment and applications. The project has a good mix of large and small companies. It is planned to last 4 years with significant results becoming available as spin-offs to the companies involved throughout the duration of the project, rather than just at its end.

Participants


ING. C. Olivetti & C. SPA	Italy		Coordinator
AEG Olympia AG			Germany		Partner
Bull SA				France		Partner
STC PLC				UK		Partner
Acorn Computers LTD		UK		Associate contractor
Triumph Adler AG		Germany		Associate contractor
Harlequin LTD			UK		Associate contractor
SGS-Thomson SRL			Italy		Associate contractor
Philips consumer electronics	Netherlands	Associate contractor
Chorus systemes			France		Associate contractor

Start Date

January 9th, 1989

Duration

36 months