As an example, textual and relational databases can be searched using very different techniques. The data presented as a result of this search can be graphical. The search engine at the server end uses this information as appropriate to improve the quality of the search. Not discipline specific. Clients exist for UNIX, VMS, MS-DOS, and Macintosh platforms.
Architecture provides gateways to many other information systems.
Includes server, clients, full-text indexing and retrieval. NISO Z39.50-1988 standard communication protocol allows hardware independence between server and clients. Originally written by Thinking Machines, Inc. and distributed free of charge. Communication protocol and WAIS implementation allow for fee structures and validating users.