What are the Applications Groupware Uses

Groupware uses several applications that work together under one system to unite the whole package so the work gets done with minimal effort. For example, groupware software uses calendars to schedule meetings and newsgroup discussions use highly interactive systems and responses to communicate thoughts and ideas. Here are some more examples:

 

·        Email: This is the most used application. Groupware uses a sophisticated system so it can forward messages, file messages, create mailing lists, and attach files to messages for delivery. Groupware can even be configured to allow automatic processing of email, automatic routing, and other functions.

·        Newsgroups and lists: Groupware allows users to access newsgroups and create mailing lists. This makes it possible to send messages to people when necessary at the same time. For example, if a spreadsheet has to be sent to all salespeople at the meeting, the manager would have a list of his salespeople and would create the list. He would then send them all the spreadsheet at once.

·        Workflow: Groupware allows documents to be sent through the system to other people in the organization without headaches. A good example of this would be a very important sales report. Each salesperson inputs his sales report into the program and then sends it out to his manager. Before it is sent, a copy is archived then routed to his manager. His manager then approves the document electronically, and sends it to the accounting department for processing.

·        Hypertext: This is otherwise known as code that creates web pages. Groupware software allows for creation of web pages on the fly and linking documents within the web pages. Groupware also shows who visited the web page and by whom.

·        Calendars: Groupware allows people to schedule conferences, manage projects, coordinate the gathering of many people, and even schedule maintenance on equipment if necessary. Groupware can even detect when schedules conflict with other meeting times so all can coordinate the right meeting.

·        Whiteboards: Groupware allows the use of whiteboards so two or more people can view or draw on a shared drawing surface.

·        Chat systems: Groupware also allows for chats by inputting messages into a public space in real time. As each person types in his message it is shown as the bottom of the screen. There can be various chat groups formed by name, location, number of people, and more.