ISSN 1023-425 Χ

JU. u r ;,

JULY 1995 No. 17 EN

".

PROGRAMMED COOKING TIME The information society: practical applications

ALarm, Fridge door Left open

Published by the European Commission Directorate-General for Industry (DG III) and Directorate-General for Telecommunications, Information Market and Exploitation of Research (DG XIII) JULY 1995 No. 17 Editorial Education and training

A new momentum towards A promising future 11 the information society Standardisation, research and The G7 pilot projects production

The way forward How they fit together 16

TheGEHR project Home systems

Telemedicine travels A domestic revolution ahead 19

The IMPACT programme Electronic auctions Multimedia unlimited 8 Computerising the heart of the market 22

l&T Magazine is available free of charge in five How to access l&T Magazine electronically languages: English, French, German, Italian and The text of all issues of the magazine and news Spanish. It is accompanied by a News Review, in review is also accessible online, free of charge, on English only, and is published quarterly. the database server ECHO (European Commission Host Organisation), using the public password For a free subscription to the magazine and news ECHO (NUA: 0270448112). A menu for calling it review write with full details to: up online is also available.

EURO-OP (I & Τ Magazine) ■ By telephone+ 352 42 03 47 2, rue Mercier (MER 193 -195) (automatic detection of speeds from L - 2985 Luxembourg 300 - 19,200 bits per second) ■ Packet switching data network connection For any subscription amendments please send (X.25orX.28): Network User Address back to EUR-OP the address sheet enclosed with (NUA) 270448112 your magazine and news review, or quote NB: Although 0 (zero) is the usual NUA prefix, your subscriber number (printed on the left X.28 users, eg those in Great Britain, should next to above your name and address) on use the prefix A9 your correspondence. ■ Via Internet: telnet echo.lu ■ Via Europanet: NUA 204 370 310099 Please note: EURO-OP regrets it cannot ■ Via the French Minitel: 36.19 code ECHO acknowledge receipt of your request or enter into any correspondence about subscriptions.

To receive back copies of the magazine and news For all other enquiries please write to: review (if still available) write to: The Editor Publications Service (BU 24 -1/80) l&T Magazine (BU24 -1/3) DGXIII-7 DGXIII-7 European Commission European Commission 200 rue de la Loi 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels B -1049 Brussels Belgium Belgium e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] X.400:be.rtt.cec.dgl3.keppens.nico X.400:be.rtt.cec.dgl3.earley.kathleen t The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily Editorial Directors: Michel Carpentierand Stefano Micossi. reflect those of the Commission. Reproduction of the text is Designed by Ludden Taylor Associates, London. authorised, but the CEC is not responsible for the use made of Printed in Belgium the information. Please contact Section OP5 at EUR-OP for all Catalogue number CD-AK-OS-OOl-EN-C reproduction requests (see Luxembourg address above). ISSN 1023-425X Editorial

A new momentum Progress towards the information allocation of licences and frequencies; society has attained a new momentum international cooperation on towards the information in the last eighteen months. Now the competition rules; and protection of three key driving forces are all pushing rights ­ whether related to privacy, society. strongly in the same direction. intellectual property or freedom of First and most importantly, the expression. The conference also industrial motor is firmly in gear. A emphasized citizens' access to services, strong industrial interest has emerged, employment issues, education and led initially by the United States, but training, and cultural diversity. swiftly followed up in Europe and In addition, a number of specific Japan. Real investment is being made, in actions were decided upon: to share infrastructure, in applications, in "content" experiences on emerging applications; and in new services of many kinds. to establish joint R&D efforts, for Second, the political will is now example on interoperability and the behind the information society. In all human interface for universal services; major countries and regions the issue and the development of joint demon­ has been placed at the top of the stration projects to act as catalysts. political agenda. Eleven projects were agreed: these Third, this political will is finding ranged from establishing a global expression in new policies. Policy­ inventory for applications to creating makers are beginning to examine the interoperability links between high­ information society, the issues it speed networks. They covered application raises, and the obstacles that must projects in the fields of training and be overcome, in a coherent and education, libraries, museums and coordinated way. galleries, the environment, emergency Furthermore, in the last year we have management, health care, government seen a shift from a preoccupation with 'on­line', creating a global marketplace national and regional initiatives to an for SMEs, and maritime information awareness of the need for truly global systems. These pilot projects will be efforts to promote the information society. monitored by a steering committee and The recent G­7 ministerial conference by 'human networks', thus avoiding the on the global information society, establishment of new organizations. and its associated showcase display, While much remains to be done, it is hosted by the European Commission in clear that considerable momentum has Brussels, was an important step in this been generated. Maintaining this direction. It produced a consensus on momentum will remain a top priority for the fundamental principles to be the Commission in the years to come. ■ followed for the global information society, and also highlighted concrete actions to be taken. Stefano Micossi DGIII One of the issues addressed at the conference was the need to put in place a regulatory framework that would allow market forces to get to work, while at the same time ensuring that the benefits of the information society are made available to all. This framework includes: telecommunications liberalization; the opening up of markets (for example allowing non­discriminatory access by service and content providers); promoting interconnection and interoperability; fair and effective

l&T MAGAZINE 1 The G-7 Pilot Projects paving the way towards the information society

The information society INFORMATION AND COMMUMCATIONS to strategic planning and organisational technologies are changing the way we structure. It will also mean a must focus on addressing work, study, do research, and educate considerable change in the way we our children and ourselves. They are interact with each other, with business people's diverse needs influencing the way we do our banking, and with government. pay our bills, entertain ourselves and do Moreover, it has the potential to business. New options are being overcome the marginalising effects of provided for us in the fieldo f health care, distance and geography. It could enable education, environmental protection, regional economies to be revitalised, culture, and business. A more direct and and consumers and businesses in rural open rapport between private individuals and remote areas to be re-integrated and public administrations is becoming into mainstream economic and cultural increasingly possible. activity. The impact of this information For each individual citizen, the revolution on our society cannot yet be information society also means greater fully measured or predicted at this time. choice and new opportunities, sharing The combination of new and rapidly of cultural knowledge and experiences developing interactive multimedia and the creation of new markets and computers and applications with employment opportunities. electronic networks will require a The G-7 partners decided to take the restructuring of our traditional approach opportunity of the Ministerial

2 l&T MAGAZINE Conference on the Information Society, individuals; projects that address the held in Brussels on February 24­26, needs of the economy; and projects that 1995, to identify a number of projects address public interests and concerns. where international cooperation could help to demonstrate the potential of 1. Global inventory of applications and the information society, stimulate its studies development and determine its cultural, This project will provide a medium for economic and social impacts. information exchange at the trans­ The G­7 Pilot Projects are intended national level, which will foster to address international issues such as "alliance­building opportunities" for the environmental protection and to development of information society contribute to the growth and applications. The establishment of an competitiveness of industry and electronic forum should act as a catalyst commerce (in particular the for the creation of partnerships, the development of SMEs). They will help development of joint projects and the to build up an international consensus advancement of the global information on common principles governing the society. need for access to networks and By sharing their experiences and applications and their interoperability. knowledge, the parties involved in the They will provide an opportunity for development of the information society future collaboration with countries in can ensure that these challenges will economic transition and the developing be addressed. world. Eleven project proposals, covering 2. Projects addressing the needs of the the four Information Society theme individual areas, were selected for ■ Cross­cultural education and training implementation. Though initiated by the ■ Electronic libraries G­7 partners, they are also open to other ■ Electronic museums and galleries partners, including non G­7 countries as ■ Global healthcare applications well as public and private sector ■ Government on­line access organisations, international bodies and The information society must focus standards authorities. on addressing members of the public's diverse needs. Distance education This first selection of joint projects was programmes provide opportunities for made with the following key objectives continuous training and upgrading in mind: of skills. Access to a nation's cultural ■ to create an opportunity for heritage and the sharing of this information exchange leading towards knowledge with others encourages the further development of the people to understand and appreciate information society; cultural differences and diversity. ■ to establish the groundwork for These pilot projects were selected to productive forms of cooperation among encourage cultural enrichment, the G­7 partners in order to create the highlight existing international co­ critical mass needed before the issue operation in the field of healthcare, and can be addressed on a global basis; ■ to identify and select projects with tangible and clearly understandable social, economic and cultural benefits which will act as examples and demonstrate to the public the potential of the information society; ■ to identify obstacles related to the implementation of practical applications serving the creation of a global information society; ■ to help create markets for new products and services, where appropriate. Other areas of common economic and social concern are being pursued, such as applications for elderly and disabled people, and opportunities for other cooperative projects studied. The selected pilot projects can be broadly classified into four main categories: the global inventory of applications and studies; projects that address the needs of the private

l&T MAGAZINE 3 4. Projects addressing issues of public concern ■ Global emergency management ■ Environment and natural resources management ■ Safety and environmental sub-projects within the Maritime Information Systems. The G-7 partners recognise the importance of enhancing the exchange and integration of information on the global environment, building consensus on a global information framework and continuing to support existing network and standards activities to ensure the protection of our environment. These three projects were selected in order to address key environmental issues of relevance to both developed and developing nations. The G7 partners recognise provide opportunities for information The G-7 pilot projects selected for exchange between governments and initial implementation offer an the importance of enhancing public administrations. opportunity to individuals and organisations, both in the private and the exchange and integration 3. Projects addressing the needs of the public sector, to participate in and economy contribute to the development of the of information on the global ■ A marketplace for SMEs global information society. They were ■ Global interoperability for broadband not meant to provide definitive solutions information society. networks but rather to pave the way for the ■ Transport and manufacturing sub- realisation of a global information projects within the Maritime society that provides the highest Information System. possible level of social, economic and In an increasingly global economy, cultural benefits and opportunities for the need is for demonstration projects all members of the public. ■ aimed at filling the information gap and promoting the use of interoperable Maria Carbone Infonnation Society information networks. Such projects Project Office (ISPO) should also encourage the private sector to develop and demonstrate new approaches to marketing, co-operation Contact and trade that will rapidly and significantly ISPO increase industrial efficiency and global (a joint initiative of DGIII & DGXIII) trade. This is particularly important for 200 rue de la Loi (BU 24 2/69) SMEs. The first project will focus on the Brussels Β-1049 demonstration of services, such as Belgium electronic networking systems, that Tel: +32.2.29.58.280 result in cost-cutting and reduction Fax: +32.2.29.94.170 of product-to-market lead time. e-mail: [email protected] The second project will stimulate the more rapid evolution of high-speed G-7 Pilot Projects - Executive Summaries: copies interoperable networks, while the third are available upon request by contacting ISPO (tel: comprises sub-projects dealing with +32-2 29.68.000 or fax: +32-2-29.94.180). The texts information systems for transport and are also available on the World Wide Web network improved industrial manufacturing on a at URL: http://www.ispo.cec/g7/g7main.htm. global basis. Regional and rural economies can be strengthened only if local businesses, administrations and individuals have access to information services on a par with those that are available in large urban areas.

4 l&T MAGAZINE The Good European Health Record telemedicine crossing national boundaries

TRANS-NATIONAL INFORMATION superhighways could help to create unity out of Europe's diversity - provided some major cultural and technical barriers are overcome. Finding solutions to these constraints will also give Europe a sharp competitive edge in the economic race towards the global information society. The search for such solutions is a key goal of European Union RTD programmes. An example of the immense benefits these could deliver is provided by the Good European Health Record (GEHR) project within the Telematics for Healthcare sector (formerly AIM - Advanced Informatics in Medicine) of the Telematics Applications Programme. GEHR seeks to create a consistent framework across Europe for storing and accessing healthcare information. In exploring how this can be achieved, it has developed potential answers to some of the most difficult issues involved in facilitating electronic multimedia and multilingual communications. GEHR's prime focus is the clinical record created and used during direct interactions between clinicians and patients. In the past, more attention has been given to administrative rather than clinical applications in medical computer systems. The way GEHR could work is illustrated by the present it to the doctor - in German. GEHR data transfer standard. following example. One day you feel unwell and go to The consultant receives your records see your new doctor. He takes a blood - presented to her in French - reviews A possible case history sample which he sends to a local them, sketches a diagram showing You are living in London, some time in laboratory. The results are transmitted where you are feeling pain and sends the future. The local GP (General by telecommunications links directly you off to have X-rays and an Practitioner) with whom you are from the laboratory to your doctor using electrocardiograph (ECG). The results registered has a GEHR-compliant the Openlabs protocol (developed in are incorporated into your records and personal computer. When you get a job another AIM project). The results are transmitted back to Munich. in Munich, your doctor gives you a then used to prescribe treatment. A few Treatment again stabilises your diskette or 'smartcard' containing your months later, however, you fall ill again, condition, until later, while you are clinical records in GEHR format. this time while on holiday in the south visiting London. Blood tests at a Although the doctor you register with in of France. The French consultant at specialist hospital in London show Munich uses different hardware and the local hospital asks your German abnormal results which demand urgent software to that of your London doctor, doctor in Munich to transmit your attention. The consultant treating you nevertheless, as it too is GEHR- relevant health records over a uses a GEHR tool to make on-line compliant it can read your data and telecommunications link, using the queries to your files in Munich. Answers

l&T MAGAZINE 5 are provided, this time in English, comprising notes, sketches, and results from X-rays, ECGs and blood tests. These help the consultant to give you the correct treatment before you return to Munich - in good health at last.

Effective management of requirements The above example indicates how the quality of healthcare can be improved through the effective use of advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The capabilities described have all been shown to be feasible on GEHR prototypes, although they are far from being fully implemented. "We are still developing and proving GEHR concepts, but have achieved enough to show that its architecture could manage such a mix of software applications. In order to Language translation with GEHR is requirements effectively," emphasises function effectively, it must unravel the currently earned out through a specially GEHR's project manager, Dr Dipak enormous variety of frequently created Oiesaurus containing about 2000 Kalra of the Clinical Record Research incompatible systems and data formats heading classifications and 5000 specific Unit at St Bartholomew's Hospital currently used in healthcare activities. tenns within tliem. Dr Kalm acknowledges Medical College in London. "Many computerised medical a much biggei· thesaurus will eventually be The College coordinates GEHR systems were created to meet specific required and says users will be able to work, which involves about twenty requirements within individual incorporate any medical classification and institutions," points out Dr Kalra. medical, industrial and academic terminology system. participants from Belgium, France, "Doctors, hospitals and laboratories Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, have therefore often selected systems to Portugal, Spain and the UK. These satisfy their immediate needs without "Consultations are extremely include France Télécom, SmithKline considering broader compatibility personal events. Yet many other Beecham, la Fédération des Association issues. " professionals involved in the patient's Médecins Généralistes de Bruxelles, The data model on which GEHR's care must also gain access to these Croix Rouge Française and the Instituto architecture is based must be able to clinical records. Effective protection of Clinica Geral Zona Norte in Oporto. cope with very complex storage and the confidentiality of electronic records access demands. "The narrative is therefore crucial to providing the Common data architecture sequence of a patient interview is very reassurance needed to overcome any The project's central aim is to develop a important in clinical diagnoses," Dr fears about the widespread adoption of common logical data architecture which Kalra explains. "It gives the context in ICT in healthcare." is applicable and acceptable across which information was elicited, which GEHR provides such controls. They different countries, computers, media can become especially significant if a are designed to be sufficiently flexible and clinical environments. To do this, problem arises with legal consequences to incorporate the various different the partners needed to resolve many that require accurate auditing of clinical professional and legal requirements of technical incompatibilities and language sessions." individual countries. differences, while at the same time This narrative is usually written by For example, in the UK people fulfilling strict professional and ethical hand as informal consultation notes, register with one GP, who could become principles. perhaps with sketches added to the text. the sole controller of information The GEHR architecture will be Clinical records also include more integrated into an electronic GEHR published to provide a common baseline structured and quantitative data - like record. In other countries, a person may on which suppliers can build compatible blood pressure readings - as well as be registered with many specialist various specialised information, such as doctors, so multiple authorisation might X-rays, ECGs, or computerised brain be needed. and body scans. Defining data entities The human dimension A key task in building the GEHR The great care needed in managing this architecture was to define the basic data kind of sensitive information is stressed entities or Objects' - the smallest by Dr Stan Shepherd, Managing Director meaningful information particles. of Trident Health, which helped to develop an initial GEHR prototype. "The discussion between patient and doctor in a consulting room is where the doctor gains a great deal of vital information and a relationship of trust is built up," says Dr Shepherd, a former GP in the UK

6 l&T MAGAZINE "Once GEHR's technical performance has been proven, I expect its published architecture will be taken up by many countries," he observes. "The GEHR concept offers such substantial benefits to patients, medical professionals and system suppliers, I am sure it will eventually be given the support needed to develop fully the capabilities demonstrated by the pilot systems." ■

Malcolm Peltu journalist

Contact points: Telematics Applications Programme InfoDesk DGXTTI European Commission fax: +32 2 296 8398 e­mail: [email protected]

GEHR Project Prof. Anything from a complete clinical The Microsoft­inspired Unicode is being David Ingram (Coordinator) interview to something as simple as a considered to support the broad St. Bartholomew's Hospital measurement, comprising a number character set needed for GEHR's multi­ Charterhouse Square plus the relevant unit, for example lingual capability. It is based on a two­ London EC1M 6B, UK 22mg, could be included within a single byte (16 digits) structure, which gives a fax: +44 1 71 982 6103 Object wrapper'. repertoire of almost 70, 000 characters Much effort is currently going into compared to 256 for the traditional finalising GEHR's object model ­ the one­byte ASCII code. basic entities and relationships between GEHR prototypes incorporating them. For this, each object in the GEHR patient data management, information data model is also assigned specific analyses and translation capabilities attributes, such as authorisation locks have been implemented on systems to help protect confidentiality. running under PC­DOS, Windows and The model allows data entities to be Unix operating systems. These are being interlinked to give an evolving account used in the UK, France and Luxembourg of a person's healthcare history. This can to develop pilot applications, which be used, say, to look at recent blood include an exploration of how GEHR sugar levels in order to diagnose can be employed in integrated clinical diabetes or to trace a health problem and administrative hospital information back to childhood. systems. Object wrappers also give an The project will culminate in June effective means of overcoming 1995 with the completion of the pilot incompatibilities between computers. demonstrations and final definition of Any object can be transmitted in any the GEHR object model and full sequence to any point in a network. architecture and exchange format. Dr They are reassembled as required for a Kalra hopes GEHR achievements can be doctor/patient consultation through a carried forward in conjunction with mechanism that coordinates messages results from other RTD framework sent between objects. projects in areas like hospital computer This approach was preferred to the networks and language translation relational database management services. systems widely used in traditional computing applications. "Relational techniques work well when you have many records with similar formats, as in a typical commercial file," Dr Kalra notes. "Each clinical medical record, however, is completely different from any other."

l&T MAGAZINE 7 From Mount Olympos to Luxembourg - with multimedia

THE INTERNATIONAL MULTIMEDIA market always starts the year in style at Cannes, in the South of France, in January, with the International Illustrated Book and New Media Fair - MILIA (le Marché Internationale du Livre Illustre et des nouveaux médias). The 1995 event saw European talent out in force, not least with the debut of a virtual catalogue of new multimedia titles developed under the ægis of the IMPACT 2 programme of the European Commission. With 22 packages on topics as diverse as Mount Olympos and Health and Safety in the Workplace, the fruits of IMPACT 2 are as impressive as any in the multimedia market today.

Appealing projects IMPACT 2 is the main phase of the Information Market Policy Actions (IMPACT) Programme, which is concerned with establishing an internal information services market within schoolchildren, and an exploration of primarily by Philips). Europe. The 22 multimedia projects nineteenth century European history With literally dozens of electronic developed under IMPACT 2 are all and culture through the life of Hans publishing formats to choose from, this electronic publications with immediate Christian Andersen. conservative approach to an emerging appeal to business, industry, education Two health and safety packages market was vindicated in the two years and consumer markets. However, many make reams of otherwise dry legislation during which these projects were also provide models from which other, and guidelines accessible through developed. CD-ROM has been adopted similar titles and projects could be practical resources for use in the as a de facto standard by computer developed, and several helped to workplace. A prototype for an users in business, education and the cultivate creative and technical skills in electronic manual similarly transforms home at a rate which has surprised even individuals and organisations which can technical documentation with video seasoned commentators. At the same now go on to produce more and footage of complex operations and time, despite lively competition from different work in a variety of electronic attractive screen text - a far cry from games and other entertainment formats, media and market sectors. your average computer handbook. CD-i is holding its own in the consumer A call for proposals in June 1992 Two other projects similarly provide market, and making some inroads into attracted some 317 responses, 56 of models for local and regional education and training as a low-cost which were explored during a six-month information services, one of which will delivery medium for audio-visual definition phase in 1993. After detailed feature prominently in this year's reference material and 'courseware'. evaluation, 22 of these went on to European City of Culture, Luxembourg. Some of the 22 consortia are already develop their projects during an Cultural history is also variously looking to other formats and market implementation phase which ended explored in a four-disc study of Flemish sectors for the development of their early in 1995. art from van Eyck to Rembrandt, a work. Gothic Cathedrals, for example, The European Commission provided celebration of what the developers could complement the initial CD-i disc part-funding, with the balance met from describe as the 'absolute excess' of the with separate scholarly and scholastic the consortia's own resources and, in a southern Baroque, and a Multimedia editions on CD-ROM, and a souvenir few cases, schemes such as product Dictionary of Modern and version on Photo CD. Journeys through placements, advertising, and the offer of Contemporary Art. 19th Century London could provide not royalties in lieu of upfront payments to only a gallery guide for the Museum of content-owners. Which CD? London but also a souvenir for visitors, The 22 titles range from Folk Culture All 22 titles are being published on an information service for the city, and on Multimedia to Total Productive interactive compact disc (CD) in either entertainment and educational Maintenance, by way of a health and the CD-ROM format (for use with a resources - as well as a model for fitness programme based on step desktop computer) or CD-i (a consumer similar titles from other collections. aerobics, instructions in road safety for entertainment product developed Most of the 22 projects hope to reach at

8 l&T MAGAZINE least two markets within the broad for conscientious developers. categories of entertainment, education, Securing audio-visual resources of information and training. sufficient quality and appropriate content challenged many consortia. Challenges of producing multimedia Their experience illustrated a significant All 22 consortia drew members from at trend in multimedia production as a least two countries in the European whole, with developers minimising their Union. A few found that the challenges dependence on external content-owners of developing interactive multimedia either by including a publisher or other titles in a rapidly changing technical rights-holder in the consortium, or by environment were fully matched by creating original materials from scratch. those of working co-operatively across After evaluating the cost of research, national and professional borders. Some rights acquisition and the technical reported that a common professional processing required to adapt culture can be more important than a conventional materials to electronic common language, having found that formats, projects as diverse as Gothic two video producers from different Cathedrals and Baby - A Multimedia countries may think and work more Companion for Expectant Parents similarly than a video producer and concluded that it would be most cost- book publisher from the same city. effective to shoot original footage to Accommodating the many subtle order, and thus secure creative and nuances of national cultures proved technical control as well as publishing more challenging on the creative side. rights. The producers of All About Everything, On a similar tack, Transmanche for example, spent a good deal of time Adventure cleverly combined original seeking the common ground which graphics with copyright free archival would make their early learning images to create evocative collages with programme accessible to very young fragments from several sources. The children (and their parents and game develops French and English teachers) across Europe. language skills and an awareness of Edusex also devoted considerable history through a series of episodes attention to research and design to which take players across the English create a versatile and sensitive Channel and back through time from programme on sexual education for 1968 to 1066. Another retrospective young people. The developers consulted game, Berlin Connection, also combines an international array of subject experts original and archival material in an and educationalists to ensure a adventure that leads from the fall of the substantial and representative selection Wall in 1989 back to the height of the of data and opinioa The designers offered Cold War. a choice of presenters from doctors and A third educational game, psychologists to family members and EuropaQuest, uses recent statistical data other teenagers. This approach skilfully and a variety of audio-visual resources conveys a large volume of diverse and in role-playing adventures which take challenging content through a variety of players in pursuit of information all presentation styles, and reinforces the around Europe. The episodic structure important message that very different of the game provided an ideal model for opinions may be equally valid and sincere. Sofia Scatena of Giunti Multimedia, project coordinators for Edusex, observes that consumers are becoming more discriminating in their approach to multimedia software, choosing titles for content and quality rather than novelty alone. She is confident that, with a judicious choice of subject matter and strong production values, electronic publishing is a promising new market

l&T MAGAZINE 9 co-production: having agreed common Learning from experience electronic publishing market. As well as standards, each partner could then Although the 22 multimedia packages developing 22 valuable multimedia develop complete adventures, both represent a significant end in titles, the initiative has helped over 80 nurturing a range of creative and themselves, IMPACT 2 has broader organisations - from production technical skills in-house, and sharing implications. Europaquest is only one of companies and conventional publishers new-found experience and resources several projects in which partners are to subject experts and institutions - to with other members of the consortium. trading both information and resources develop new skills and contacts in an David Attwooll of Helicon Publishing as they develop expertise together. Mike important international market for compares this development process to Seaborne of the Museum of London European talent and resources. ■ the preparation of a television series, quickly discovered that there is no with several production units each substitute for hands-on experience: "You Signe Hoff'os journalist contributing a number of separate have to engage in the process," he says. episodes. He cites this diversity as a The European Commission has critical element in maintaining the played a key role in this invaluable Information point: appeal of the ongoing adventure. exchange of ideas and experience. A IMPACT Central Office Frédéric de Goldschmidt of Media workshop in March 1993 in Luxembourg European Commission International, project co-ordinators for and a two-day meeting in Paris in May DGXm/E Baby, particularly advises newcomers to 1994 allowed participants to meet and Luxembourg L-2920 allow sufficient time to acquire new share ideas, and even to see some of Tel: +352 3498 1222 skills and develop complex interactive each other's work in progress. The Fax: +352 4301 32847 sequences. Baby achieved its objectives, Commission has published a e-mail: impact(@echo.lu including a series of preparatory comprehensive information pack, with activities and exercises for prospective illustrated descriptions of every project parents, and an ambitious visual effect and key findings of value and interest to which simulates the growth of an infant other multimedia developers and in the womb from conception to birth in publishers. Other activities, including an elapsed time. However, de Goldschmidt opinion survey of key companies in the also advises that accomplishing such European multimedia industry, and face- artistry to the mutual satisfaction of to-face interviews with leading theorists subject experts, creative talent and and practitioners, are helping to inform technical staff demands both subtle the way forward for multimedia management skills and ample time for These lessons represent a significant consultation and refinement. part of IMPACT'S contribution to the

1 0 l&T MAGAZINE Education, and vocational training in the information society Catchphrase culture ?

SELDOM HAVE TWO CONCEPTS in the For network operators and going teleshopping after-hours. political debate taken off quite like the multimedia and hardware Doubtless the information society will information superhighway and the manufacturers, the concepts herald a have something of all of this. information society. They now crop up period of massive investment and One information superhighway is in in practically every other Commission economic opportunity. End users mostly fact now commercially available from document, and are gaining ground in the hope to gain direct access to the Deutsche Telekom: a fibre optic ring national press of the European Union information superhighway from their linking Germany's major cities and Member States every day. own homes, chiefly for entertainment industrial centres, running from Their media impact is due to a but also for practical purposes. Hamburg to Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, number of causes. For politicians they Critics, on the other hand, see this as Stuttgart, Mannheim, Frankfurt, signal a vision of radical social change the end of western civilisation as we Cologne, Dusseldorf, Dortmund and that promises to go a long way towards know it. They paint a picture of a Hannover and back to Hamburg. eliminating the greatest problem facing society of television consumers devoid Deutsche Telekom has christened it late industrial society: unemployment. of critical and intellectual faculties, Datex-M. At 2.5 gigabits, its data The Commission estimates that the zapping in and out of the much transmission rate is many times that of information and communications sector publicised 500 channels along a one-way an ISDN connection. And it can transmit will provide 60 million jobs by the turn street, finding nothing of interest and vast quantities of multimedia data of the century, compared with today's 13 eventually opting for yet another violent (speech, text, sound, graphics and million. blood-and-guts saga or blue movie via video-on-demand, or further straining their meagre housekeeping budget by

l&T MAGAZINE 11 moving images). It is still an expensive study resources should be equally and exercise, but relatively cost-effective easily accessible to all: individual for the economy as a whole. And, students, educational establishments depending on their particular access such as schools and universities, and road onto the superhighway, end users local businesses alike. The CLU could now have interactive multimedia operate like a public electricity, water or functions such as video-conferencing sanitation utility or a town library, within their grasp. supplying, storing, managing This is a sign that the Europeans electronically and distributing the latest have caught up with the Americans in multimedia study programs. terms of information and Picture a system where every citizen communications infrastructure would have online access, via individual (satellites, cable and terminals) and workstations, to terabytes of recognises the importance that information directly available within a information as a production factor has CLU or via a network, on a pay-as-you- for the competitiveness of the European use basis. Performance-related grants economy. But both continents are in would be available; schools and search of data for these broadband universities would enjoy special networks. This will include not only conditions for access to CLU materials. films and games but in theory anything Individual students would have access that can be digitised, from CD-ROM- at any time to material precisely geared quality classical music to medical video to their needs, and would themselves conferences bringing experts in on a determine the pace of their studies. It delicate surgical operation. longer depends on traditional industries, technical and problem-solving skills, needed for online and offline multimedia sound, video, text and numerical data in could be in the interests of society to but in many respects on services and and businesses that are willing to learn. initial and continuing training, the a customised learning tool. Open, promote the upgrading of skills and the Content - putting flesh on the bones new production processes which Concepts such as business flow, total relative merits of open distance learning flexible training on PCs for individuals relevance and quality of course content Science and industry urgently need combine complex assembly operations, quality management (TQM), intelligent via CD-ROM and terrestrial and groups, online and offline, is clearly by means of a performance-based serious, essential content and logistics, supply and distribution know- enterprise and the Seven Ss (structure, communication lines, or telelearning via set to be one of the most important system of bonuses. All educational applications, for example in education how and intelligent design in original strategy, skills, staff, style, systems and satellite. Even the important issue of multimedia applications of the future. It establishments and businesses will be and continuing training. The equipment manufacturing. It is shared values) point to the fact that standards took a back seat. Instead is an efficient, cost-effective tool for connected to the CLU's technological Commission's White Paper d) describes estimated that leading-edge knowledge businesses, too, must learn or go under. participants were given demonstrations individually-tailored, self-guided study, support and delivery environment. the competitive disadvantages of in high-technology fields becomes Can information and communications of successful telematic and multimedia building upon each child's natural Scientific and industrial advisers will set Europe's national economies as the outdated within three to five years. This technologies help? Of course they can, applications for vocational training and curiosity and hunger for information, quality specifications and standards and continent's most serious problem and means that technicians and engineers since by combining broadband capacity, study (the virtual global university on irrespective of social background or monitor compliance with them. the product of a rigid employment have to refresh their basic theoretical mobility and user control for education the Internet), using a variety of previous knowledge. Equally, the means Of course, these developments would system crippled by outmoded training and vocational knowledge four or five and training applications, they are the technologies. exist to meet the training needs of not dispense with the need for teachers: structures, insufficient continuing times in the course of their working only fast, efficient and cost-effective Computer-assisted learning is not adults wishing to explore the universe instead they would free them from training provision and generally lives. Other estimates suggest that 80% means of handling the massive demand that uncommon nowadays. We already of information this technology routine tasks and leave them more time inadequate levels of basic skills and of existing professions will have to be for new skills. Teletraining and distance live in a multimedia society, with our opens up.w for individual supervision of self-guided technological know-how. The March "re-engineered" within the next 10 years. learning already use these technologies, radios, televisions, computer games, study, at a higher level of the coaching 1994 IRDAC report Quality and Life-long learning is something everyone which incorporate several media and videos, mobile phones, and the Internet The Community Learning Utility process. The CLU's teaching materials Relevance concludes that Europe is not is going to need. offer genuine added value in the form of and many other networks. We are One central theme of the seminar was and electronic tools will be constantly making sufficient use of its substantial Sectors with fast-changing product full interactivity and the option of real• connected by ISDN and satellite to the relevance of telematics-based initial updated. human resource potential, thereby technologies (e.g. information and time communication with a tutor. every other point on the globe. and continuing vocational training for The CLU will give access to teaching jeopardising its chances of maintaining communications technologies) set the Multimedia software, like CD-ROM, is industry, in terms of both efficiency and and study programmes, multimedia and improving standards of living for its pace for change in every other sphere of Electronic data transmission already a recognised product. the organisational changes that new training software, reports from news citizens. (2) industry. No-one is exempt or can afford A two-day seminar on "Training in the Interactive video technology links education technologies and course agencies, electronic technical journals, Technological progress has displaced to ignore the process. Consequently Information Society" was held in cameras, computers, networks, content will require. The idea of a network access to distant databases and some professions and fundamentally Europe needs a highly trained Brussels on 6 and 7 December.(3) The software and speech, and enables the Community Learning Utility (CLU) was electronic tools such as E-mail, and altered many others. Our prosperity no workforce with advanced vocational, main topic was not the technology student to combine graphics, animation, presented in this connection. Electronic authoring systems to allow rapid

1 2 l&T MAGAZINE l&T MAGAZINE 13 prototyping of teaching material, and and corporate restructuring, will will also supervise study progress and considerably enhance the competitiveness meter information usage. Where quality of European industry. standards and controls exist, the CLU Training resources could be pooled could act as a distribution network for within groups of cooperating companies licensed software and study programs. with a view to developing strategic Since users will pay pro rata for the skills.'5) This would meet the training software and licensed materials they needs of a sector, region or large use, the system should generate industrial concern and its associated royalties and licence fees for authors companies, thereby making each and publishers and promote continued member of the group more competitive. development of teaching and study Training would be focused on areas software. designed to secure the group's competitive advantage, in response Initial and continuing training in industry either to an urgent need for initial and New, more horizontal management continuing training or to an analysis of structures and greater flexibility among future skills and capability profiles. This skilled workers have created continuing strategy could include plans for the education and training needs in industry. development of both general and sector­ Both groups are key factors in a specific, and industry­ and company­ company's learning potential. specific skills. Companies and educational Unfortunately, multimedia study establishments could cooperate, for materials are expensive both to produce example via a CLU, on preparing and and to transmit (whether via network or producing general, strategic and by satellite). The IRDAC report sets the sectoral expertise for the process of life­ cost of one hour's new, interactive video long learning. material (e.g. on CD­I) at between 50 and 100 times that of an hour's Political responsibility conventional teaching. There are For the Europe­wide information society compensations, however: increased to happen, policy­makers must first flexibility, faster learning speeds and the reach agreement on the requirements possibility of providing rapid continuing and common goals of technology­based training for a larger number of staff initial and continuing vocational without interrupting the production training. Issues to be determined include: process. There is therefore a critical ■ Convergence within Europe on group size for the use of study software. planning for education and vocational Cooperation on continuing training training, to increase transparency and between large and small companies (the comparability latter generally suppliers or ■ Stimulation of a corporate culture of subcontractors) benefits both parties. learning and promotion of life­long Telematics­based learning will learning by means of incentives and reorganise initial and continuing measures to motivate the workforce corporate training, and thus, in ■ Improvements in the training of combination with quality management trainers ■ Intensive cooperation between industry, schools and universities, to ensure better curricular response to changing needs, speed up the transfer of research findings by means of targeted continuing training measures, and increase the social relevance of R&D ■ Promotion of models of cooperation on continuing training between SMEs and large companies, with the involvement of educational establishments ■ Measures to promote and facilitate the application of study technology for cost­ effective, flexible, open and efficient distance learning, using innovative course content and teaching methods. The seminar reviewed education technology in four European countries, and the California Research and Education Network (CalREN) was presented to increase awareness of international activities. The Commission is considering a proposal for the establishment of a joint 1 4 l&T MAGAZINE EU­USA Forum on Telecommunication advantage of this form of education and Technology for Education and technology and infrastructure would be Training, to enable mutually beneficial that educational establishments would cooperation when the national have preferential access. information infrastructure for education and training activities comes on­stream. The risk of status quo A similar arrangement with Japan is also Change brings uncertainty. Uncertainty under consideration. During the closing often provokes rejection. Training for panel discussion, to improve information trainers is seen as a major threat: transfer within the Commission, "Everything that suggests change causes representatives of various Directorates­ panic in the education fraternity" (Alan General put forward their main policy Benjamin).(°) Yet the biggest threat to objectives in the field of telematic European society would be to avoid applications for education and training, change, thereby ruling out the possibility human resource development and the of making innovative use of information building of the information society. and communications technology for educational purposes in our schools, Financing universities and businesses. ■ In a context where national budgets are at full stretch, public funds never suffice Prof. Dr. Wolf Paprotte to meet the real investment needs of Westfälische Wühelms-Universität Münster education, vocational training and Fachbereich 12, Arbeitsbereich Linguistik science. Since in addition to the existing Hüfferstr. 27 need for innovative technology in 48149 Münster education, new organisational structures Germany for life­long learning, new course Tel. +49/251/83 92 23 content and new methods need to be Fax +49/251/83 83 43, financed, the following principles should E-mail: [email protected] be observed: ■ New education infrastructure and technology should be financed via a CO Growth, Competitiveness, Employment. partnership between private and public The Challenges and Ways Forward into the investors. 21st Century, Commission of the European ■ There should be a charge for the Communities, Brussels/Luxembourg, 1993 services used. (2) Quality and Relevance. The Challenge to Thus the new education European Education, Industrial Research infrastructure should be run in and Development Advisory Committee of accordance with economic criteria. It the European Commission (IRDAC), p. vi should produce turnover and profit, so (3) The proceedings are being prepared and that technological and methodological will shortly be available. upgrading and updating will ultimately W As a glance at the volume of information be self­financed. Facilities and services available on the Internet will show. would be open to every interested party C5' See The Competitive Advantage of and potential customer in a given town, Nations, Michael Porter, Macmillan, London, region or indeed sector of industry: 1990 schools, colleges, universities, local (6) "Affordable restructured education: a business, public bodies and every solution through information technology", citizen, regardless of age, sex, ethnic Alan Benjamin, in RSA Journal, Vol.CXLII origin, etc. The particular social No. 5449, 1994 l&T MAGAZINE 15 The links between research, standardisation and production

STANDARDISATION in manufacturing, Making production easier: selecting showing what one item of equipment industry and business offers various a small number of options from a large presents to another will enable advantages in a range of fields, which number of equal validity makes customers to use these items together, - has led to its widespread adoption as a production - and the specification of that is, it offers the useful prospect of technique. It can avoid expensive components - easier. interoperability. duplification, make production easier, Improving product information and In short, standards reduce barriers to improve product information and customer choice: providing potential trade, and help the development of customer choice, and encourage customers for a product with a markets across the economic area in interoperability. statement of its compliance with a which the standards are used. Avoiding duplification of effort: if particular standard gives customers a However, standards are not standard solutions to technical clearly defined idea of what the product mandatory rules established by the problems can be found, manufacturers offers, so they can make an informed public authorities: they are voluntary no longer have to devise their own ones choice. documents established by those who each time, thus saving time, money, and Encouraging interoperability: a will use them, and this explains the need duplification of effort. standardised set of specifications for consensus. If standards do not enjoy

1 6 l&T MAGAZINE a broad consensus, they will not be If applied at the appropriate stage, transition from research to the market, used, for where application of a the strengths of the standardising for example in the area of advanced document is merely voluntary, there will process - consensus-building, ceramic materials and steels. But much be no reason to apply it unless using it experience in drawing up technical remains to be done, both in informing offers certain advantages. Should the requirements (not an easy process in the research community of how supplier, or customer, see no advantage itself) and the openness of the system - standards can help bring products based in a standard, he will simply ignore it can be applied to the task of putting on their research to market; and in and use something else instead. innovative products on the market in a developing mechanisms for the Thus complaints along the lines of fruitful way. It can enable both suppliers standards bodies to be able to respond "Suppliers are not manufacturing/ and customers to obtain maximum to these needs. Customers are not buying in accordance benefit from the underlying discovery, with standards", or "Standard equipment while avoiding wasteful competition Research in support of standardisation is unavailable" are clear signs that between competing, equally valid, but As described above, standards can something is wrong - but wrong with incompatible solutions. contribute to the value of research the standards. It means these are not Although the authorities can help in results by assisting their transition to offering any advantage to their users, for facilitating this task, it must eventually the market. Research, on the other if they were, traders in a free market be carried out by those directly hand, can make a contribution to would be quick to seize them. involved. If not, there will be no true standards by reinforcing the scientific consensus, and as mentioned above, the basis of the standards themselves. Standards for transferring research standards will not be used. In what may be loosely referred to as results to the marketplace The establishment of a system to traditional areas of standardisation, the How does research fit into this? There accomplish this has begun. A workshop technical content of the work is based are, after all, fundamental differences on the subject took place in early 1994, on the experience shared by those between the purpose of research and organised by CEN (le Comité européen round the table, and frequently on a that of standards, and some tension de normalisation - the European shared technological culture. This is between the fundamentally static nature Standarisation Committee), and a valuable in itself, for a standard is a of a written standard and the continuing standing group in CEN has been practical document if it is anything at change characteristic of research. The established to manage the links between all, and its aim is to provide usable researcher is basically concerned with standards and research. technical specifications rather than the extension of knowledge, and the The Commission has contributed by philosophically rigorous perfection - a economic motive is often not the only mandating standards in innovative areas principle, it must be said, that is not one (it may not even be present at all). with the specific aim of assisting the necessarily always followed. Practical results may arise out of scientific development, but this is often not the aim, and even when it is, the use of equipment implementing a novel technique does not fall within the researcher's prime area of expertise. All too frequently the result is that the economic benefit of scientific discoveries is lost to competitors because incompatible and competing implementations are marketed, confusing the customer with widely differing solutions for the same problem. The eventual market result tends to leave in place a dominant "standard" solution that may not be technically or economically the best. The existence of publicly available specifications that make use of research results will enable suppliers and other economic interests to exploit such research results more effectively in the market place. Here, standardisation has a role to play.

l&T MAGAZINE 17 There is, nonetheless, a need for understood, or where the state of Conclusions standards to be based on sound science, knowledge is insufficient for the drafting In a short article such as this títere is no since a flawed standard will specify a of reliable specifications, requirements space to examine in detail the further flawed product with consequent or test methods. Here, again, the tasks potential of the interaction between economic losses or even, in some cases, fall mainly on those involved; in standards, legislation and research. actual hazard. particular, it is up to the standardisers However, there are some conclusions The obvious areas in which this to define their research needs in such a that can be drawn. Wherever possible, applies are innovative ones. Where way that the necessary actions can be standards must be drawn up in such a science is moving quickly and product carried out. way as to avoid stifling innovation by cycle times are fast, empirical solutions Developments in European policy the need for compatibility with existing may conceal errors in the underlying have given a new dimension to specifications. Standards should not be assumptions; it may be also that there standardization, in providing a link abused to erect trade barriers. The has not been sufficient experience to between the needs of public policy on delays inherent in the standardizing reach empirical solutions. the one hand, and safety and other process (which in innovative areas can Even in the traditionally standardised technical requirements on the other. be comparable with product cycle areas, the drawing up of standards may Where the standards are needed for times) should be reduced. reveal areas in which the theoretical the support of European policy, the Clearly, standards are not a solution basis is unsound or not well enough Commission has a role. Both in the to every problem, but in many areas they transfer of research results to standards, can provide an effective instrument for and the provision of research support to the improvement of market efficiency. ■ Clearly, standards are not a the needs of standardization, activities are underway at European level. Paul de Lusignan DGIII solution to every problem, but Standards as a link between research and Contact point: they can provide an effective public policy European Commission By providing a mechanism for the 200 rue de la Loi (RP 3,04/13) instrument for improving presentation of research results in a B-1049 Brussels common, accepted and practical format, Belgium market efficiency. standards have the capacity to provide Fax: +32-2-296-8998 a link between public policy and e-mail: [email protected] innovation. In the absence of proper X.400: be.rtt.cec.dg3.1usignan.paul understanding of the underlying science, over-regulation can be a temptation in some technological areas. Furthermore, it can be difficult for regulations or other legislative requirements to refer directly to scientific data. Standards, on the other hand, as publicly available documents with a recognised status, can provide a source that can be more easily referred to. Thus standards are able to provide a route for the transfer of innovative development and discovery to the regulatory domain.

1 8 l&T MAGAZINE Home systems Chronicles of a domestic revolution to come

LIVING IN AN "INTELLIGENT" home household facilities, and automatic Standardisation - or the slow and painful before the end of the century is no warnings should abnormal situations gestation of a promising industry longer a pipe dream. The impetus of the occur (such as a fridge door being left Home systems became widely known as main market players and advances in open, a leaking washing machine, an a concept during the 1980s and are now information technology over the last appliance left switched on, etc.). in the process of becoming reality. decade have transformed home systems During the market take-off phase, Between 1987 and 1992, European from a concept inaccessible to most consumers with high incomes and a companies endeavoured to develop people into a potential range of high level of education are the most specifications under the Esprit products and services aimed at mass promising niche in the short term, for programme. Their willingness to markets. The basic components obvious reasons linked to economic and cooperate stemmed from the firm emerged in the early 1990s, thanks to cultural barriers. conviction that only agreement on a the efforts of research teams in the However, elderly and disabled people single technical standard could give most active companies and support are those who stand to benefit most home systems the impulse they need to from the Community programme Esprit. from home systems solutions. get off the ground. It is now possible to design interoperable Integrating the various security and Standardisation would allow electronic systems at costs which could monitoring systems would allow them integration of all the various types of allow home systems to become to lead an independent life at home. electronic facility in a home: domestic widespread by the beginning of the Stays in hospital, which are frequently appliances (such as washing machines third millennium. long, expensive and disruptive, could and fridges), other household electronic Future users of home systems thus be avoided. With this in mind, products (televisions, stereos, etc.), technology will benefit from advanced discussions and coordination involving telecommunications (phones), meters, facilities in terms of security, comfort, all parties, including social security etc; these could then be managed at energy management, communications institutions, is essential to secure the house level as part of an overall solution. and access to future services, which will initial training and investment needed But only when enough companies have become available as the information for these groups. These two outlets reached agreement on joint specifications society develops. would "pump-prime" the market and can components (microprocessors) be To illustrate this concept, imagine contribute to extending the benefits manufactured, followed by mass- being able to control all the equipment of home systems solutions to the produced, low-cost facilities. These in your home at any time, while population as a whole. specifications are the precondition for watching your favourite television developing a genuine mass market. programme. If the doorbell rings, you Without joint specifications leading to could view the visitor immediately on the adoption of a single standard, your television set or personal neither industry nor consumers will be computer. Without leaving your able to benefit fully from the new armchair, or from any other spot (office, opportunities offered by home systems. car, etc), you could set heating in each Several associations bringing room, close your shutters, check your together a large number of companies electricity, gas and water bills, look into and industries are seeking to reach the baby's bedroom, check how your agreement on a joint standard. One of dinner is doing, programme your these is the EHSA (European Home washing machine to start at off-peak Systems Association), whose objective times, etc. is to encourage and promote European The advantages for consumers are industry in its efforts to develop new manifold: low energy costs afforded by leading edge systems for the home energy management of the house or flat of the future. The association is open as a whole, improved security thanks to to all businesses, be they large or monitoring systems and cameras small, technical or non-technical, connected to your television set, the manufacturers or service providers, increased comfort of easier control over architects or experts.

l&T MAGAZINE 19 To meet this challenge, European ensure interoperability of the various space of time. In this emergence phase companies have developed the solutions, particularly within the which is typical of new markets, several HomeSystem specifications, with CEN/CENELEC standardisation problems hinder growth: identification financial support from the Esprit organisation. Industry is expected to of solvent demand from potential programme. This is a means of reach consensus on the most users, standardisation, availability of communication for all facilities, not technically and economically viable components and basic development only in the home but also in schools, solution in the near future. Generally tools, identification of the right office buildings, hospitals and hotels. speaking, industrialists see the value of marketing approach, organisation of Modularity is one of HomeSystem's working together to increase the size of distribution networks, etc. strong points. Another is the fact that it the market, thus increasing the profits These markets are already tangible; can easily be extended to integrate all of all players and contributing to new many corporate product catalogues new and existing equipment such as job creation (particularly in services, feature integrated or semi-integrated appliances, energy controllers, lighting, installation and maintenance). systems and home systems sections, security equipment, telecommunications, while "household" home systems public networks, etc. The control The importance of economic and social products are given substantial signals are transmitted through existing information promotion. SGS-Thomson, the cable circuits such as electrical wiring, Fabulous markets are opening up to European semi-conductor producers, coaxial TV cables or telephone wires, European companies working in the already sell a carrier modem and have thus avoiding unnecessary and home systems field. SIGMA Consultants expressed their intention to play a expensive laying of new cables. forecast that the market for the new leading role in the home systems The HomeSystem specifications are products and services will reach components market. In France, rather like a working language. 2 billion ECU within five years. However, thousands of subsidised housing units European manufacturers in the it is still difficult to predict with any are already equipped with basic collective audiovisual, telecommunications and degree of accuracy which of these will home systems solutions. appliances sectors must learn to speak prevail in the medium to long term. Finally, some market segments are in a common tongue. In this respect The development of multimedia and developing rapidly (e.g. blocks of flats they must learn to collaborate rather mobile telecommunications could and specialist housing). The growth of than compete - no easy matter. change their environment very rapidly. these markets is expected to accelerate Nevertheless, as is often the case in Companies are primarily seeking over the short term, driven by a more promising markets during the initial markets for the substitution of existing favourable economic environment and development phase, other associations products, whereas consumers are on pro-active moves on the part of some of are also suggesting their own the look-out for products and services the main market players such as large specifications at global, European and better adapted to today's fashions and energy distributors. For instance, EDF national levels. Discussions are under lifestyles. The issue is how to bring (Electricité de France, the French way to harmonise market strategies and together supply and demand in a short electricity generator and distributor) is

Home systems are for everyone.

2 0 l&T MAGAZINE coordinating the Esprit project for the Via Esprit and the new information development of the components and technology programme, the European Four main development stages: development tools needed to design Commission is supporting research home systems products and services projects aiming to provide the 1987-1992: based on the HomeSystem interoperable building blocks required, Development of specifications specifications. thus acting as a catalyst to promote the 1992-1994: In the first half of 1994, the European efforts of the various market players, Development of components and including users. It promotes activities Commission carried out a survey as part completion of pilot projects of the development of the Esprit which seek to achieve interoperability programme's working plan for 1994- and convergence among currently 1995-1998: 1998. The exercise covered four major available specifications, the Growth and optimisation of the topics: the development of the home development of components and components on offer systems market, key success factors, products using these components, and Development of products applications and standards. The the completion of pilot applications, and services responses highlighted a number of particularly in the field of multimedia Establishment of a single standard interesting aspects: technology development. ■ The home and buildings automation Calls for proposals will be published 1999-2000: markets dovetail and could share at regular intervals to support European Gradual development of a generic technologies and standards. If industry's activities in the home systems mass market the market is to develop, sound field. The most recent call, published on business alliances are needed to 15 December 1994, was due to close on integrate complementary knowledge 15 March 1995. It aims to encourage the and spread risks. The conditions for formation of consortia with the home systems to become a mass market objective of participating in projects are expected to be achieved from 1998 which are in line with the working onwards. programme developed jointly by ■ Cheap components and standardisation industry, users and the Commission. are indispensable. The development of The documents relating to this call for general, user-friendly supply, coupled proposals can be obtained from the with aggressive marketing plans, could Esprit information desk. promote growth. Home systems are a crucial issue - ■ Energy management, security, heat an economic issue for industrialists in management, ventilation and air the sector, and a social one in terms of conditioning are the most obvious quality of life for private individuals applications in the short term. (particularly elderly and disabled ■ Owing to the presence of incompatible people) and for employment in Europe, specifications at both global and since prospects in this field are European level, convergence is the particularly bright. ■ most appropriate way of reaching a single standard. Brigitte De Wolf-Cambier.j'oMmaíisí Although the first generations of components and development tools are Contact point: already on the market, a fully optimised Information Technologies (IT) solution should become available Information desk around 1998. A defacto standard is then European Commission expected to dominate, thus allowing a (BU29 7/20) mass market to develop. 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 296 85 96 Fax: + 32 2 296 83 88 E-mail: infodesk(@dgl3.cee.be

l&T MAGAZINE 21 SCHOU Al 248 SCHOU Al 286 TONGI Al 288 TONGI Al 148 SCHOLl Al 148 SCHARl Al 148

Computerising the heart of the market The electronic auction

TIME IS MONEY - and the speed and throughout the European Union. accuracy of today's electronics bring Moreover, such auctions can help in the ever greater advances in communications pursuit of openness or 'transparency' essential to modern business and in trading practices, because by their industry. One particular application of nature electronic auctions are electronics has also come to the aid of 'transparent': the bidding process is a centuries-old industries not necessarily visible one and automatically recorded. associated with high technology, such as Indeed, as the EU and member states the fishing industry, the fresh fruit, governments are increasingly concerned vegetable and flower trades and the by the lack of openness in many dairy industry, helping them keep up in transactions, there is growing interest in the race to remain competitive. the use of computerised auction "Computerised selling" is the key - systems because they are seen to be this has revolutionised the turnaround fair and allow every buyer an equal time for highly perishable goods at opportunity. auction, which forms one of the major The origin of the idea is not in fact a means of trading for these products, new one - simply a new development of giving rise to electronic auctions a much older piece of technology: the

2 2 l&T MAGAZINE mechanical auction clock. The earliest and costly. With a computerised system, such clocks originated in the Netherlands a floppy disc can be transferred to the at the beginning of the 20th century and accounts computer immediately after the leading manufacturer was Van den the sale or, for an even faster response, Hoom & Wouda The computerisation of a simultaneous link can be made to the the mechanical clock was a logical auction computer throughout the sale. development, and the first computerised In addition, the data stored within the selling systems were produced in system can be accessed to provide Holland and Belgium in the 1970s. dynamic information on a host of Locally produced systems are also to be subjects such as sales volume, average found in certain other parts of the world. prices, performance against quotas and In Australia, for example, the Sydney graphic displays. Examples of Fish Auction is computerised, and so commercially interesting optional are several cattle auctions in Canada. refinements include a warning flashed ­ As technology developed, in confidence ­ to the auctioneer if a computerised systems have become buyer exceeds his credit limit, and a key more sophisticated. An increasing supplied to buyers and sellers which number of auctions offer remote buying, will obtain a print­out of all transactions saving the buyers the time and cost of they have made at the auction. Each key travelling to market, and also facilitating is unique to its holder and others cannot faster distribution. access the same information.

Major benefits Hardware requirements The major benefits of computerised One of the basic principles in the auctions are usually identified as speed, development of a Schelfhout auction transparency and instant paperwork. system (see contact address, page 25) is ■ Speed. This has vastly increased, and that a maximum of standard hardware indeed, were the auction sale dependent is always used. Special tailor­made solely on the electronic system, it would hardware features are developed by a be even faster, but it is still governed by team of hardware engineers. The basis the slower speed of human reaction. of each concept is a standard PC However, in markets where several network with Novell network software. clocks are running simultaneously This allows a great part of the selling different lots, the speed of sales maintenance of the auction system to has become astonishing in comparison be done by a local technical partner. to previous practice. At the flower If the customer requires it, spare auction in Aalst, Belgium, lots are sold parts for the special hardware cards can at peak times on each of three clocks also be delivered to the partner so he there every three seconds, which is can service the complete system, equivalent to 3,600 lots per hour. Where thereby considerably reducing servicing speed is essential the Dutch auction times and costs. falling price system is preferable, as only As the auction system is often one bid is necessary described as 'the heart of the market', it ■ Transparency. This is the second is essential that the sale should be able major benefit. In a traditional non­ to operate under all circumstances. computerised auction it is virtually Therefore the SCS concept includes a impossible for the auctioneer to be large number of backup facilities that certain which of a large number of make the system very reliable: buyers has bid first. He has only one pair ■ Back­up power units and transformers Simultaneous tele­auction room at of eyes, and however experienced, he are installed to intercept loss or instability Veiling Haspengouw, Sint­Truiden, part of cannot physically look at everyone at of the mains voltage a circuit linking 12 Belgian markets the same time. Using a computer ■ The network server has a duplicate or and which is in turn linked to the Dutch bidding system which reacts in milli­ a hard disk mirroring system to protect tele­auction circuit. seconds, every buyer has an equal its data opportunity. Nevertheless ­ to dispel ■ The crucial interfaces also have misleading visions of computers duplicates so should an interface break displacing the time­honoured figure of down, its function can be taken over by the human auctioneer ­ it should be another one emphasised that the computer remains ■ All communication passes through simply the tool of the auctioneer who universal patch systems so if a vital controls the sale, and not the other way module fails, a less important module round. can take over its function. ■ Instant paperwork. In many traditional auctions it takes hours after Software requirements the sale to complete the essential Based on standard modules, the user invoicing and administrative paperwork, interface is tailor­made to meet specific ­ a tedious process, both time­consuming customer requirements. To obtain a

l&T MAGAZINE 23 perfect software package, a functional Simultaneous auction: Each market analysis is worked out together with the sells its own lots simultaneously with customer, and the software is designed the lots of the other markets linked to in­house using the company's team of the same circuit. In principle this means graduate software engineers. During the that at each site the number of auction installation phase the project engineer clocks is equal to the number of markets responsible can make small adaptations that are inter­linked. to the system at the customer's request. Remote auction: Remote buyers bid As the project engineer follows the from their homes or offices and thus development of the system closely, he is avoid spending time and money able to make modifications at each level. travelling to the market. All the remote buyer needs is a personal computer and Types of computerised auctions a standard telephone link to the market. Local: local auctions are basically With the flower trade, in some markets computerised versions of the traditional the goods remain with the producer mechanical, open outcry or 'shout' until they are sold, at which point they auctions, but provide greater speed, can be delivered direct to the buyer, efficiency and information. The buyers rather than having to be transported are present, they can inspect the physically to and from the market. merchandise, see the auctioneer and Futures sales: A recent development speak to him if necessary. is the provision of a futures market Tele-auction: Sales information is whereby buyers may bid for produce transmitted to all markets that are part several months ahead of its availability. of the network, and identical information The option is similar to that used for is displayed on one clock at each commodities, such as oil and metals, Diagram showing the remote circuit market. One market is selling the and its main purpose is to provide price configuration of the Danish fruit & products of the other linked markets. stability. The system was designed for vegetable market Gasa Odense: at present Buyers can bid remotely from their local the Scottish Milk Marketing Board in 48 buyers are connected from Denmark, market for goods on sale at the other Paisley, Scotland and offers futures Sweden and Norway markets which are part of the same sales from 2 weeks to 1 year of delivery circuit. for raw milk.

Some solutions for perishable goods Schelfhout has designed selling systems for various types of perishable goods whose value depends on fast turnaround MM ASYNC Local interface ASYNC ítemete interface processor ■4 fr­ processor times. Auctioneer's Data + Audio Selling fish monitor (PC­based) (syncrator) IBM White fish buyers invariably wish to AS/400 inspect the lots for freshness, size and quality as they lie boxed in the market halls, usually in the sequence the vessels landed their catch. At many auctions the XXXX xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx auctioneer and the buyers walk their xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx Local display wall xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx way through the markets as the lots are xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxxx XXIX xxx xxxx sold. Moreover, at some large UK fish xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx auctions, several sales take place Local buyers' gallery simultaneously in different parts of the market. To accommodate this special requirement of mobility, two alternative moving computer clock systems Local auction clock have been developed, an auction clock on overhead rails (for example Scheveningen) and an auction clock mounted on a customised vehicle, the Moby­Clock (for example Zeebrugge). The Moby­Clock vehicle is powered =¿X&t*= / BUYER \ by electricity to avoid polluting the f PRICE 1 Remote buyer 1 Remote buyer 2 Remote buyer X X1 marketplace and is recharged overnight.

Illllll l 1 Illllll l 1 Illllll l Illllll l \ ° / In order for buyers to be able to place REMOTE AUCTION CD 1=1 CD CU CD CD CONFIGURATION their bids, buyers are equipped with small hand­held transmitters, which are Project Fruit & vegetable market GASA

Auction clock display on buyer's screen

2 4 l&T MAGAZINE also recharged ovemight.The clock Electronic auctions in Scandinavia Future auctions may be on a world­ surround displays a variety of Norges Sildesalgslag (NSS) was the first wide basis linked by satellite and thus information relevant to buyers, organisation in Norway to use a further the marketing chain from including details of the next lots, the computerised auction for selling fish. producer to consumer. In brief, with number of boxes comprising each lot, Using the old system, skippers at sea ever­improving communication systems details of the current lot, species, radioed details of their catch to NSS in the concept of the global village comes quality, name of the vessel and the Bergen who in turn faxed details of their ever closer. ■ successful buyer's name. catches to buyers throughout Norway. The buyers were allowed 1 hour to fax Luc Schelf hout Managing Director, Selling vegetables tenders for their preferred lots. The Scheljhout Computers To date, Schelfhout has delivered 23 tendered bids were then laid out on a systems for auctioning vegetables in large table so that they could be Contact: Belgium, France, the Netherlands and compared and the highest bids Schelfhout Denmark. The auction at Gasa Odense, identified. Next, the results were faxed Zavelstraat 7 the largest fruit and vegetable market in to the buyers. Β­9190 Stekene Denmark, offers a remote facility to The computerised system was Belgium buyers both in Denmark and throughout introduced at the beginning of the 1992 Tel: +32 (0)3.779.99.86 Scandinavia. Unlike most white fish mackerel season, with as its main fax: +32 (0)3.779.99.86 buyers, vegetable buyers are happy to purpose the reduction of time­ buy on specification and do not consuming work for both NSS and the UK representative: Bryan Renn therefore need to travel to the auction to buyers. Busy auctions with 25 vessels tel + fax: +44.1.323.508.263 inspect the products. Gasa Odense's and 25 buyers which previously might France representative: Marcel Anselin objectives were: take 3­4 hours can now be handled tel + fax: +33. 21.98.33.56 ■ to make it possible to participate in within 30 minutes. the auction without having to be present The Schelfhout system creates a in the auction room competitive auction where both offer ■ to give the trade improved information and bid meet in an ideal situation: on the availability of fresh Danish fruit fishermen are guaranteed the best prices and vegetables for the lots and buyers can more easily ■ to ensure that the price structure was control their supply of raw materials. It maintained on the basis of the also offers the buyers more information immediate supply and demand situation and includes the automatic integration ■ to improve the efficiency of the of the sales results into an efficient transportation and distribution of goods, computerized invoicing system. Another thereby ensuring fresher fruit and substantial benefit is that buyers are vegetables for the consumer. linked to the auction and place bids for The Schelfhout solution was a selected catches via their standard PCs network consisting of a personal which are connected to the system computer and a printer at the address of through telephone sockets. Buyers can the purchaser connected with the therefore bid from wherever they Datex­network and the ordinary choose. In addition, specially designed telephone network. The Datex software facilitates the electronic connection takes care of the data transfer between the relevant parties of transmission between the auction the large amount of paper information computer at Gasa Odense's Fruit and generated, supported by the PC network Vegetable Department and the personal initiated by the auction system. computers of the purchasers, and allows Moby­Clock at the La Rochelle the purchaser to follow the sale. The The global village fish market, France telephone connection takes care of the In addition to the European Union and audio transmission and allows the its member states wanting greater purchaser to communicate with the transparency and efficiency, there is also auctioneer and tell him the quantity he potential for auction systems in Eastern wants to buy. Europe and the developing world. A sophisticated synchronisation Despite the software sophistication of protocol provides that through a computerised selling systems, they are minimum of data communication all simple to operate and invariably ensure clocks displayed on the remote buyers' that the producer obtains the best screens are running almost possible price. This would benefit many simultaneously The synchronization Third World economies where the ensures that the purchaser who stops distribution chain is too long, and help the clock at the highest price will be the to reduce the risk of corruption. one who is registered as purchaser of the goods. Remote buyers and those actually in the auction room therefore have exactly the same opportunity to win the bid.

l&T MAGAZINE 25 o Q) i­h — O (Q WARNING C CB 3 C 3 σ­ η O U ι > I (O en o■ o Ζ I O

App L i ance Left on

For a free subscription to this quarterly magazine and news review write with full details to:

EURO-OP (I & Τ Magazine) 2, rue Mercier (MER 193-195) Luxembourg L-2985 P'Mlil* Please note: EURO-OP regrets it cannot acknowledge receipt of your request or enter into any correspondence.

To receive back copies of the magazine and news review (if still available) write to:

Publications Service (BU 24-1/80) DGXIII-7 European Commission 200 rue de la Loi Brussels B-1049 Belgium e-mail: [email protected] X.400: be.rtt.cec.dgl3.keppens.nico

For all other enquiries please write to:

The Editor l&T Magazine (BU24 -1/3 ) DGXIII-7 European Commission 200 rue de la Loi Brussels B-1049 Visitor Belgium e-mail: [email protected] approa eh i ng X.400: be. rtt.cec.dgl3.earley.kathleen

* OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES * * L-2985 Luxembourg