B-ISDN multimedia workstation architecture

Technical issues involved in integrating computer and communication technologies in the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) environment are discussed. The Multimedia Environment for Remote Multiple-Attendee Interactive Decision-making (MERMAID), an ISDN-based multimedia and multiparty desktop conference system, is described. MERMAID involves B-ISDN key technologies related to multimedia and multicast protocols, and workstation architecture for groupware applications. Technical issues based on user experiences and evaluations of MERMAID over three years are presented and discussed in connection with the system's evolution in the B-ISDN environment