For multimedia to catch on, the next real barrier is software. Without real time operating systems and fast software, multimedia information cannot be presented and manipulated interactively by users. Without good software, developing multimedia applications is prohibitively expensive and time consuming. Without the use of modern object-oriented development efforts, both of the above types of efforts are doomed to early demise because of failures to keep up with rapid change in hardware, extension to myriad operating systems, and cross-platform portability requirements. The third (and fourth, optional) reading deals with many of these issues.
Though just exposed briefly to these concepts, students will find this area to be quite exciting, and will be equipped with some of the key knowledge and concepts needed to comprehend and work in this emerging industry.