IS INFORMATION-RETRIEVAL WITH MICROCOMPUTERS MINI-INFORMATION-RETRIEVAL

Are microcomputers able to support good IRSs? How do they cope with them? What types of IRS are currently available? After explaining the differences between IRSs using micros and IRSs using mainframes, this paper will describe various functions of 'microretrieval' (by which I mean IR on microcomputers) functions, possible criteria for selection, and essential differences between database systems. It will give a short market overview and compare some IRSs currently available (such as LARS, BRS, LIDOS, HYPERCARD, HEUREKA, CICADE, ALLEGRO, etc.). It will also explain how microretrieval could be the kernel of economic, scientific or technical integration and assist in the cooperation between countries with different levels of development.