Groupware

Draft

Introduction

A groupware, also called collaborative software, is a software that supports multiusers tasks on the same platform. Instead of a workflow processed-centered task, groupwares enable a workflow information-centered task in which all actors can access and modify an information.

Groupwares aren't only softwares that permit to share and access the same information. Groupware also includes:

• document sharing and document management
• group calendaring and scheduling
• group contact and task management
• threaded discussions
• text chat
• data conferencing and audio and videoconferencing
• workflow, which allows messages and documents to be routed to the appropriate users, is often part of a groupware system.

Typology

Here is a not so complete typology of different kinds of systems (including a few examples)

• "Mainstream" centralized groupware that also provide workflow facilities.
  • MS SharePoint
  • Lotus Notes
  • PhProjekt (Open source)
• Social web applications
  • Ning (Social web apps server)
• Peer-to-peer groupware
  • Groove
• Computer-supported collaborative learning systems (CSCL)
  • Knowledge Forum
• Computer-supported cooperative work systems (CSCW)
• Content management systems and learning management systema always include some groupware components
• Forums, in particular more complex forums that allow e.g. file attachments
  • BSCW
• Wikis, in particular ones that include additional features such as uploads, special discussion pages, and other "sharing" modules.
  • Tikiwiki (Open source Wiki/CMS/Groupware)
  • Mediawiki

.... in fact, most portals can be used as groupware.

Resources

• The unOfficial Yellow Pages of CSCW
• Groupware links
• Computer Supported Cooperative Work
• CSCW Centers