The WorldWideWeb exists alongside several existing information retrieval and hypermedia systems. Understanding the landscape of 1991 helps illustrate the unique, decentralized nature of the W3 project.
Information Systems
Traditional information systems at CERN and beyond often have specific limitations regarding universal access:
- Tailored Access: Systems like WAIS and CONCISE tend to be tailored to specific databases rather than a global web.
- Login Barriers: Many current systems (such as ALICE) require a formal login process, which can be inconvenient for casual browsing.
- Lack of Hypertext: Very few existing information systems utilize true hypertext links as their primary navigation method.
Specific Hypertext Systems
Standalone applications like FrameMaker and HyperCard provide powerful local tools but struggle in a networked environment:
- File System Dependence: These systems are not natively networked; all browsers must share a common file system to interact.
- Proprietary Silos: Text is rarely portable between different applications, and different systems cannot interwork seamlessly.
- Vendor Lock-in: Platform support is often limited to a single hardware supplier.
Generic Hypertext Systems
More flexible systems, such as DynaText, offer a glimpse into the future of document retrieval:
- SGML Support: These systems can handle many formats and SGML DTDs (Document Type Definitions).
- Extensibility: Some allow for custom scripting, potentially allowing them to be extended in the direction of the WorldWideWeb.
- Single-Root Limitation: Despite their power, they remain primarily based on a single, localized file system.