Collaborative software, also known as groupware, is software that integrates work on a single project by several concurrent users at separated workstations (see also Computer supported cooperative work). It was pioneered by Lotus Software with the popular Lotus Notesapplication running in connection with a Lotus Domino server. Collaborative software becomes more valuable when more people use it and thus Metcalfe's law applies. For example, calendaring becomes more useful when more people are connected to the same electronic calendar and choose to keep their individual calendars up-to-date.
Electronic communication tools send messages, files, data, or documents between people and hence facilitate the sharing of information. Examples include:
Electronic conferencing tools also facilitate the sharing of information, but in a more interactive way. Examples include:
data conferencing - networked PCs share a common “whiteboard” that each user can modify
voice conferencing - telephones allow users to interact
video conferencing (and audio conferencing) - networked PCs share video or audio signals
discussion forums - a virtual discussion platform to facilitate and manage online text messages
chat rooms - a virtual discussion platform to facilitate and manage real-time text messages
electronic meeting systems (EMS) - a conferencing system build into a room. The special purpose room will usually contain a large screen projector interlinked with numerous PCs.
Collaborative management tools facilitate and manage group activities. Examples include:
electronic calendars (also called time management software) - schedule events and automatically notify and remind group members
project management systems - schedule, track, and chart the steps in a project as it is being completed
workflow systems - collaborative management of tasks and documents within a knowledge-based business process
knowledge management systems - collect, organize, manage, and share various forms of information
Collaborative software can be either web based (such as Wiki usermod or scoop) or desktop systems (such as CVS or RCS).
