Groupware

• **Asynchronus groupware:** when users are working together at the different times vs. **Synchronus groupware:** when users are working together at the same time; real time • **Collocated:** when users are working together in the same place vs. **Non-Collocated:** when users are working together in different places. Some examples of groupware are: Microsoft exchange (calendar sharing), text chat, as well as the wiki you are currently viewing.
 * Groupware** (also known as collaborative systems) are programs meant to facilitate people working in groups from remote locations. It is the foundation of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, (CSCW) a field of study. There are two primary dimensions to groupware:

Asynchronus groupware examples: • Email • News and Mailing Lists • Workflow systems • Hypertext • Group Calendars • Collaboraive writing systems

Synchronus groupware examples: • Video communications • Chat systems • Multiplayer games

References:

“Collaborative Software.” __Wikipedia__. 18 Jan 2008. 19 Jan 2008. 

Brinck, Tom. “Groupware” __Usability First__. Foraker Design. 1998. 19 Jan 2008. 

“Groupware.” __Search Domino__. 15 Sept 2005. 19 Jan 2008. 

by Jacqui Hutchinson