Research

We are developing new methods, tools and platforms for collaborative information environments. A distinctive feature of our approach is the focus on how advanced database technologies can support emerging requirements in domains such as web publishing, mixed-media applications, mobile information systems and ubiquitous computing. Rather than being simple repositories of data, databases control system operation and manage, not only application data, but also data about users, their environment and the system itself. The main areas of research therefore involve the development of both advanced database technologies and application frameworks based on these technologies. Central to our work is the extensive use of metamodel-driven architectures and systems. Another theme that runs across many of the projects is that of interactive paper. Having developed technologies for interactive paper within our cross-media publishing framework, we are now investigating the use of interactive paper in mobile and collaborative applications, thereby creating synergies with our work on web engineering and also collaborative editing.

OMS Database Technologies

OMS is a suite of object-oriented technologies and systems for data management, specifically designed to support highly-dynamic systems, rapid prototyping and extensibility. All systems are based on OM, a generic object-oriented data model. »»

Interactive Paper

Digital pen technologies bridge the paper-digital divide by enabling user actions on paper to be tracked. We have developed a platform called iPaper and a range of tools to support the rapid prototyping and production of all kinds of interactive paper applications. »»

Web Engineering

Web technologies are now being used as a general platform for information publishing and distributed applications. We explore how database technologies can be extended to support multi-channel, context-aware access to information. »»

Cross-Media Spaces

Our iServer technology enables information spaces to be built from a network of mixed-media, allowing users to freely navigate back and forth between different media using links defined over information resources and also elements within resources »»

Information Environments

As information systems are being extended towards information environments, taking into account the physical and social environment of the users, forming ubiquitous and mobile information environments, the complexity of these systems has increased dramatically. Model-based approaches and infrastructures are needed to master this complexity. »»