The Integrated Multimedia Project (IMMP) studies interactive multimedia services and network technologies, addressing both residential and business users, focusing on the overlaps and synergy between the two. For this purpose, IMMP has set up and conducted a considerable number of trials with varying user profiles, network technologies, middleware components and applications. The trial network utilises multiple existing access networks such as Cable-TV and ISDN and connects to European ATM networks through the National Hosts. The IMMP consortium covers the complete interactive multimedia value chain by including network operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, application developers and content providers. The paper presents project results with regard to market potential of interactive multimedia services, evaluation of different middleware technologies and end user feedback on the applications developed by IMMP.
