Collaborative workspace
Encyclopedia
A collaborative workspace or shared workspace is an inter-connected environment in which all the participants in dispersed locations can access and interact with each other just as inside a single entity.
The environment may be supported by electronic communications and groupware which enable participants to overcome space and time differentials. These are typically enabled by a shared mental model, common information, and a shared understanding by all of the participants regardless of physical location.
and asynchronous.
Asynchronous communication includes email
and shared file system
s where information is exchanged back and forth in a non-interactive, sequential manner.
The popularity of synchronous forms has increased over recent years driven by improvements in processing capabilities and the widespread availability of high speed internet
. These include video and voice messaging services including shared whiteboard
capabilities. Program sharing has also become available to allow remote users to share much more detailed information through CAD packages, spreadsheet
s, etc. and have access to these in real time.
The environment may be supported by electronic communications and groupware which enable participants to overcome space and time differentials. These are typically enabled by a shared mental model, common information, and a shared understanding by all of the participants regardless of physical location.
Communication
Communication comes in two forms: synchronousSynchronization
Synchronization is timekeeping which requires the coordination of events to operate a system in unison. The familiar conductor of an orchestra serves to keep the orchestra in time....
and asynchronous.
Asynchronous communication includes email
Email
Electronic mail, commonly known as email or e-mail, is a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. Modern email operates across the Internet or other computer networks. Some early email systems required that the author and the recipient both be online at the...
and shared file system
File system
A file system is a means to organize data expected to be retained after a program terminates by providing procedures to store, retrieve and update data, as well as manage the available space on the device which contain it. A file system organizes data in an efficient manner and is tuned to the...
s where information is exchanged back and forth in a non-interactive, sequential manner.
The popularity of synchronous forms has increased over recent years driven by improvements in processing capabilities and the widespread availability of high speed internet
Broadband Internet access
Broadband Internet access, often shortened to just "broadband", is a high data rate, low-latency connection to the Internet— typically contrasted with dial-up access using a 56 kbit/s modem or satellite Internet with inherently high latency....
. These include video and voice messaging services including shared whiteboard
Whiteboard
A whiteboard is a name for any glossy, usually white surface for nonpermanent markings. Whiteboards are analogous to chalkboards, allowing rapid marking and erasing of markings on their surface...
capabilities. Program sharing has also become available to allow remote users to share much more detailed information through CAD packages, spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells usually in a two-dimensional matrix or grid consisting of rows and columns. Each cell contains alphanumeric text, numeric values or formulas...
s, etc. and have access to these in real time.