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Definition of
Groupware
Improve the effectiveness of collaborative workgroups by clearly understanding the definition of groupware
October 06, 2006
By: Lynn Marotta
As the corporate workforce continues to expand beyond
local and even national boundaries, the need for more
effective collaboration is critical. In order to stay
competitive, corporations need to have access to talent
everywhere without the restrictions of geographical
boundaries. As global workgroups become more of a reality,
corporations need a way to stay connected. This is where the
use of groupware becomes a necessity. So just what is
groupware? This article investigates the definition of
groupware and the benefits it provides to the global
workforce.
The term groupware refers to software applications that
are designed to help geographically dispersed groups of
people work together towards one specific goal. Groupware
typically utilizes computer-networking capabilities to
streamline communications and facilitate the sharing of data
among all group members.
Groupware programs consist of the following two basic
features: data storage and management functionality, and
communication enablement features. In other words, groupware
provides a centralized location for data storage and
synchronization, and provides a means by which groups can
collaborate efficiently regarding the data. The theory
behind groupware software is that it helps people increase
their productivity through the collaboration and sharing of
information.
The following are some of the key features that groupware
programs offer and the benefits provided by them:
- One centralized location for data storage --
Groupware software is designed to store and manage all
data that is relevant to a project so that it is easily
accessible to all relevant parties. This means groupware
users have the ability to post as well as access documents
easily in a central database location. The groupware
application then synchronizes the data through a
versioning system so that the most recent data is accessed
first. Typically, groupware programs also track all
changes and who is responsible for the changes. In
addition, groupware users have the ability to search the
database for relevant data with intuitive search
capabilities that are built into the software application.
- Communication enablement -- Groupware provides
additional avenues of communication to workgroups that
would not be available otherwise. Instant messaging, web
conferencing, database access, document versioning, group
calendars, and task management are all examples of avenues
of communication that are provided through groupware. By
providing the means that enable communication, groupware
improves collaboration and communication by making it
faster, clearer, and more efficient. In addition,
miscommunication due to a lack of relevant information or
slow communication is eliminated.
- Improves group problem solving capabilities --
Since groupware allows all workgroup members to have
access to the same pertinent data, decision-making becomes
proactive rather than reactive. With quick and easy access
to the most accurate information workgroups can always
work from the same point of reference. Efficiency is
increased as less time is spent sifting through stacks of
data, and more time is spent on specific project tasks.
After reviewing the definition and some of main features
groupware can offer, it is easy to see the benefits. The
increased collaboration that can be achieved by using an
effective groupware software application can make a big
difference in the outcome of your next project.
About the Author
Lynn Marotta is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Web-Conferencing-Zone.com. Your
definitive guide to
web conferencing services,
online collaboration software and
web meetings for business.
Also See: [
PowerPoint
presentation skills for effective PowerPoint presentations ]
[ Use the
full advantages of groupware applications to improve
collaboration ]
[ Group
collaboration software, WebOffice & Groove Virtual Office
review ]
Home Page:
[ Web-Conferencing-Zone.com ]
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