A research in groupware.

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A RESEARCH IN GROUPWARE

  1. Introduction

Groupware as concept is based on the co-operative work of people, who work for a common purpose or in the same organisation, through the support of devices and machines like computers. Untill one point of  human history people used to work in groups only when they were gathered into the same place during a predetermined period time. Furthermore, they were able usually to process their activities and duties by the use of papers and pencils. However, by the advance of technology, the development of microchips and fianally the creation of a global network between machines and computers the work of people in groups became quicker and far more efficient. As a consequence, nowdays it is very difficult for anyone of us to imagine the various organisations, offices,companies etc to elaborate an activity without the critical assistance of computerised networks and associated hardware / software techniques.

     

  1. Description of groupware

Defining groupware we are able to say that it is that kind of technology that intends to assist the effort of a group. This technology can be used in a variety of activities like: cooperation, solving problems, competition, negotiation, coordination or communication. Even if, long established technologies as phone regarded as groupware, the word is normally used to mention certain rank of technologies based on nowdays computerized network, like newsgroups, chat rooms, forums, video conference or e-mail. The technologies that concern groupware are generally considered on two main proportions:

  • The matter of working the group simultaneously  during the same period or in different time -synchronous and asynchronous groupware-
  • The matter of working the group jointly in the same place or in diverse places –face to face and distance groupware-
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         The manufacture of groupware engages realising groups and the attitude of people within groups. Furthermore, it includes a satisfactory perceptive of network technology and how parts of this technology (for example, synchronised opinions that are held up) shape the experience of a user. On the other hand, the concerns connected with the conventional user interface design stays unchanged, since the people are related with technology.

            In generall, a lot of characteristics of groups necessitate particular concern. Providing an example, it is certain that 5-person group have a different attitude from million-member groups, in ...

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