Groupware

A workgroup support system (WSS) is a system that is designed specifically to improve the performance of teams by supporting the sharing and flow of information.

The foundation of any WSS is groupware - the popular term for the software component that supports the collaborative efforts of a team.

Groupware is among the newest IT-based tools that you'll find in an organization.

Below we've listed the three functions that groupware supports and the software that facilitates that support.

1. Team Dynamics
• Group Scheduling Software
• Electronic Meeting Software
• Videoconferencing Software
• Whiteboard Software
2. Document Management
• Group Document Databases
3. Applications Development
• Workflow Automation Software

In our text, we've provided a great overview of work group support systems and its various components on pages 56-66.

As well, you can read the Photo Essay on pages 62-63 to learn more about Lotus Notes, the leader in groupware suites.

You might also want to check out these features in our text:

• XRA - Supporting Product Design (p. 59)
• Team Work Project - Maximizing Team Efforts and Groupware (p. 60)
• Financial Services Industry Perspective - Work Flow Automation Software and the Paperless Office (p. 61)
• On Your Own Project - Information-Processing Responsibilities (p. 73)
• Closing Case Study #2 - AlliedSignal Serves Up Its Very Own Groupware (p. 76)
• Group Decision Support Systems (pp. 183-190)
• Closing Case Study #1 - Getting Everyone on the Same Page at NationsBank (pp. 349-350)