A computer system can be defined as equipment (hardware), processes (software), and people organized to perform a function (Shelly, et al.,1998). Using this definition, a business multimedia system can be defined as hardware, software, and people organized to perform the functions of communication. Businesses use multimedia primarily for communication through presentations and for storage and retrieval of original documents and media files. For years, businesses have used multimedia systems that create, edit, produce, and distribute documents, movies, sound, and videotapes. Multimedia systems are also used to prepare presentations for marketing, employee training, public relations, and any other area in which mass communication is needed. Many companies commit resources (specialized personnel, photography and television studios, and other equipment) to mass-produce these forms of communication.

Traditional multimedia systems use specialized equipment that records sounds and graphics in an analog format such as cassette tapes, records, or videocassette tapes...