A data exchange paradigm for microprocessor-based groupware applications

This paper describes a message-based data exchange model which was successful­ ly used to implement several groupware applications with real time data exchange requirements. The paper establishes the data communications requirements of groupware applications based on a "what you see is what I see" approach augmented with a requirement for private views of common data. The data exchange model and implementation details of the communica­ tion system (PLEXNET) developed to sup­ port the model are presented. Several groupware applications which were deve­ loped using the data exchange paradigm are also described. Groupware applications hold great promise for enhancing group work, but have experienced mixed success both in research and industry environments. Many of the problems are a result of poor system performance, restricted functiona­ lity, and the reliance on expensive or experimental equipment. The data exchange model and the communications system described in this paper were designed to help groupware developers overcome these problems. The viability of PLEXNET as the primary method of data exchange between groupware applications was proven by the development of several groupware tools. Furthermore, the suc­ cessful development of PLEXNET has the added benefit of demonstrating that powerful groupware tools can be imple­ mented on relatively inexpensive PC-based systems. This allows for the migration of groupware applications away from spe­ cial laboratory settings and into the office. Use of existing equipment should increase management and user acceptance of groupware applications and reduce equipment and training costs. Permission lo copy without fee all or part of litis material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct com­ mercial advantage, the ACM copyright notice and the title of the publication and its date appear, and notice Is given that copying is by permission of the Association for Computing Machinery. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires a fee and/or specific per­ mission.