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- Examples of hypertext systems under construction
- ================================================
-
- In my conversations with MaxThink and HOUDINI users, I discovered a large
- number of interesting planned uses of PC-Hypertext. A few are:
-
- Natural foods There are over 25,000 suppliers to the natural
- industry directory foods industry. The hypertext format allows
- ================== suppliers to be cross-indexed by product, size,
- location, season, packaging, etc. Such current
- information provides users with rapid comparisons
- of price, delivery, and quality for effective
- purchasing.
-
- Audit Law Certain segments of accounting law are constantly
- ========= changing. Hypertext formats keep systems current
- each month by displaying immediate rulings, all
- commentaries and uses in this complex area.
- This system is essential in controling liability.
-
- Engineering A large military contractor plans to file engineering
- Specifications: specifications on all materials in hypertext
- =============== formats to help engineers rapidly select appropriate
- materials according to company standards.
-
- Health Requirements: An administrator of children's physical/emotional
- ==================== health programs needs a hypertext system to translate
- complex rulings into procedures that others can easily
- follow.
-
- Guide for handling Converts EPA rulings into formats that field
- hazardous material personnel can easily follow.
- ===================
-
- Frames for selection Building index of over 18,000 available styles of
- of eyeglass frames frames selected by 40 criteria to replace a
- =================== $400-a-year print directory
-
- Legal preparation Provides mastery of information (depositions,
- ================= evidence, claims, contracts, documents). Hypertext
- accesses all in a few keystrokes -- with
- commentary reminders from previous readings.
-
- Classroom support Converting textbook information into hypertext
- ================= formats, then distributing a disk a week. Tests
- consist of asking which nodes of information are
- relevant to a series of very complex situations.
- See <FILE42 CLASSROOM>.
-
- Management One company with 2000 plus middle-managers will issue
- Information System all memos, plans, spreadsheets, and reports (200
- ================== files) in a twice-monthly format. The disk organizes
- all information so that each user can rapidly find the
- data relevant to his responsibilities. In
- addition, each disk updates a cumulative index of
- all information distributed.
-
- Electronic Newsletter Each release also updates the cumulative index to all
- ===================== previous communications. One of the primary
- advantage of electronic publishing or electronic
- newsletters over printed material is that one
- person effectively builds and maintains an
- information system for all users.
-
- Final comment.
-
- The best source of information to hypertext is governmental (state or
- federal) as it is in the public domain. For example, the Department of
- Commerce list of governmental books exceeds 15,000 titles. Separately, the
- information in rulings, specifications, hearings, requirements, and
- legislation is also in the public domain. Together, these information
- sources offer enough hypertext opportunities to employ perhaps 2,000,000
- full-time people. <FILE80 OPPORTUNITIES>
-
- ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ Finally, do not hypertext material that belongs to │
- │ others without permission. Current laws provide the │
- │ creators of copyrighted information with rights to │
- │ any derivative information. │
- └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
-
- Does hypertext create new knowledge or merely rearrange derivative
- knowledge? Until the courts decide that, I'd suggestion caution.
-
- Neil Larson 1/16/88 FILE43
- 44 Rincon Rd., Kensington, CA 94707
- Copyright MaxThink 1988 -- Call 415-428-0104 for permission to reprint
-
-