Computer-Supported Cooperative Work

Abstract

Contemporary literature is overflowing with technical terms defining various aspects of computer-supported cooperative work. In the following chapter, we will introduce these terms and discuss them with respect to practical teamwork support In addition to demonstrating typical usage scenarios and their characteristics, we will also present several classification models, in particular time space taxonomy. When dealing with so-called application level classification, we will discuss message systems, group editors, electronic meeting rooms, conferencing systems, shared information spaces, intelligent agents and coordination systems.

Furthermore, we will investigate factors which contribute to the success or failure of groupware systems. Research and experiments with computer-supported cooperative work in real environments will underlie this work. The results of these studies demonstrate the way in which groupware should be designed and CSCW concepts should be validated.

Moreover, we will give reasons for the overwhelming success of email, discuss the Portland experiment and introduce the commercial system Lotus Notes.