What is Groupware?

Groupware is software that facilitates the communication between the members of a network workgroup. It allows people within a company, whether they are physically in the same location or in several locations all over the world, to share documents, information, and data. It allows them to collaborate on ideas and projects, by allowing them to essentially work on the same page at the same time. With groupware there is no limit to the number of people that can work on the same project without creating duplicate ideas and work. Since groupware can track all document information, you will never wonder if you are using the latest version of a document.

Groupware has many functions and can be a very useful tool to keep your company organized and your employees working in unity. In general groupware solutions will have features allowing you to do some or all of the following:

• Share information
• Keep common schedules
• Manage e-mail
• Maintain bulletin boards
• Have several people work on one document
• Write collectively
• Hold real-time network meetings
• Share files
• Share calendars
• Have cooperative project management

 As you can see Groupware is an essential tool (that is often overlooked) for any organization requiring the collaboration of its members, committed to high quality customer service and requiring the tracking of its overall work progress.