Collaboration Gets It Together

Functions of Common Collaborative Tools

Matching collaborative tools to appropriate functions is key to creating an efficient virtual workspace.

	E-mail	Chat	Instant messaging	Discussion boards	Webcasting	Virtual workgroup	E-commerce apps
Design
Goal-setting
Norm-setting
Business rules
Roles & responsibilities				x	x	x
Custom interface				x		x
Wizards & templates
Data Collection
Web-based media	x			x	x	x
Rich media				x	x
Enterprise data							x
Document management	x					x
Processing
Productivity tools	x					x
Data analysis tools							x
Group decision tools						x
Application sharing					x	x
Action
Project management	x
Workflow	x
Discussion
Synchronous		x	x		x
Asynchronous	x			x		x	x
Streaming		x	x	x
Structured				x
Organized				x
Branching & linear				x
Forms-based
Access
Web access		x	x	x	x	x	x
E-mail access	x
Wireless access	x	x
Success Factors
Shared presence		x	x		x
Personal information				x		x
Consulting & training				x	x
Time-bounded events				x
Team building

X = Supported,

Source: Caucus Systems, Ann Arbor, Mich.