Project ZNIX envisions a world which leaves behind a one that users manage information by mastering software applications [Zachary, 1994]. Emphasis in this approach is on information and its semantics. It seeks to make meaningful information accessible to users in ways they themselves declare to be logical.
• Independence from traditional software barriers
While software applications are powerful, they come with the overhead of a learning curve . They also force the user to box out his information into separate chunks that they are capable of handling [Zachary, 1994]. A traditional software application thus effectively locks up user's information, in its own proprietary format and on its own data store. Clear example of this is Microsoft Outlook Express and its DBX files. By providing a common access point to all information ZNIX seeks to break this artificial barrier .
• Object Based Information Management
All information managed by ZNIX should fit into a loosely coupled object hierarchy. Every piece of information will therefore either exist as objects or as properties of other objects. These objects will be scriptable elements accessible even outside the framework. Therefore, programmers will have access to a much abstract representation of information than the files or records interfaces available with traditional technologies.
• Detachability of Information
The loosely coupled object hierarchy should be constructed such that any object can be mounted or dismounted as desired without affecting the consistency of the system. The primary focus here is to facilitate archiving, backing-up and/or migration (movement between disparate computer systems) of information objects.