* About this document... * Audience and Objectives *
 

Research Phase

1. Your instructor will assign you to research one of these 3 areas:
• Corporate hosting services. Search the Web for:
  • "Groupware"
  • "Workgroup software"
  • "Workgroup systems"
  • "Collaboration systems"
  • "Online teleconferencing"
  • etc.
• Free Web-based services. Search the Web for:
  • "Web collaboration"
  • "Collaboration software"
  • "Web messaging"
  • etc.
• Microsoft-based services/software
  • MS Sharepoint server:
    http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/sharepoint/overview.asp
  • MS Live Communications Server (IM):
    http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/livecomm/guide.asp
2. Share your findings with the class.
• Each group (or individual, if not using groups) prepare a brief presentation for the class. You may present the information using either PowerPoint, an HTML page, or some other method approved by your instructor.
• Choose the two or three best services or software packages out of the ones you investigated. For each one:
  • Briefly describe or list the types of service available (teleconferencing, instant messaging, group document preparation, etc.)
  • What do the collaboration participants need on their computer or at their site to make this system work?
  • What is the cost, and is a free demo available?
  • What sort of organization is this most appropriate for - large? medium? small? corporate? non-profit? a particular profession?
3. By class discussion, determine which of the options is best for your class or group project.

Preparation Phase

1. The Project Manager should contact the client:
• Among other discussion items, the need for computer collaboration should be explained.
• If necessary, information about the client's computer equipment should be gathered (OS, memory, processor, HD capacity, and connection bandwidth)
• Discuss with the client the details of accessing the collaboration system, and if necessary about setting up the system on the client's site.
• Arrange a date and time for the first collaboration meeting.
2. The Programmer(s) should arrange to have a computer at WCC set up for collaboration. If software installation is necessary, this will need to be done in conjuction with the Instructor and/or lab technician.

About this document...
Module NA70h: This document is part of a modular instruction series in computer technology. For more information, see the overview or the list of modules in this series, NA: Network Applications.. This document has been used in the following classes:

Author: Laurence J. Krieg
Institution: Internet Professional Department, Washtenaw Community College
History: Original: September, 2003; This revision posted  Monday, 31-Aug-2009 11:47:59 EDT
Copyright © 2003, Laurence J. Krieg, Washtenaw Community College

Instructors: You may point to this file in your Web-based materials.
Students: you may make a copy for your personal use.
All other uses: contact the author, Laurence J. Krieg for permission.