Groupware

Groupware is an ensemble of computer-mediated technologies, know-how, and methods that allows networked workgroups to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate by sharing information and other digital resources. Pierre Lévy defines groupware as a decision support model for distributed groups that uses the hypertextual and iconographic potential of contemporary computer-mediated networking solutions. Groupware can also be defined by enumerating the functionalities that we expect from the technologies that support it. Given the numerous and diverse nature of the functionalities, as well as the underlying technologies of groupware, the functionalities can be classified into five categories: 1) interpersonal communication, 2) coordination, 3) collaboration, 4) access to the information and collective memory of the group, and 5) automation of the administrative processes.