Date   : Wed, 14 Nov 2001 19:40:05 -0000
From   : "Richard Gellman" <r.gellman@...>
Subject: That BBC online database thing you all forgot about....

I've just had an idea, based on an amalgamation of ideas from Chris
Richardson, Thomas Harte, and Mark De Weger.

Mark de Weger suggested a BBC software information database could be set up
on the internet, and his front-end, BeebEF, could access this to obtain
information on certain disk images.

Chris Richardson has suggested an interface for BeebEm to run disk images
off the internet. Thomas Harte also thought of this idea originally,
although in a more developed form, for ElectrEm.

I myself, suggested the idea of a cddb.com style database that could
determine information from within any compatible program about the software
being used.

So, based on all this, what would you think of the idea of a simple browser
(single list only, no directories or anything) for retrieving disk images
from sites from within BeebEm? It would use HTTP to retrieve lists and
images, possibly even supporting zipped images. Limited information would be
supplied, such as title, and software type, and it wouldn't be anything as
elegant as internet explorer.

Do you think that would be going too far or not?

Also, let me know of any other suggestions you have for BeebEm, anything is
welcome! :)

-- Richard Gellman

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