Groupware Applications and Their Distributed Systems

Experts define distributed systems as a collection of distinct computers that are physically separated but connected by a centralized network. Distributed systems have made it relatively easier for programmers to share information safely. When a developer is working on a specific code, he can share it with his team in real-time. The team members can continue working on the same code or review it and send it back to the initial developer. In one of their articles, GeeksforGeeks talks about groupware applications and how they can be used in distributed systems.

Classification of Groupware Applications

Groupware applications can be broadly classified into two categories:

1. Time-space matrix – The applications that fall under this category can be further categorized into two types:
2. ‘When’ classification – It observes whether the users are working simultaneously. Its joint axes are synchronous and asynchronous.
3. ‘Where’ classification – It perceives whether the users work in the same place. Its standard axes are co-located and remotely located.
4. Functionality-driven application – When groupware applications are driven by functionality, they prioritize direct communication between the participants. The computer media that is often communicated in a functionality-driven application are bulletin boards, video ecosystems, and text messaging. A common understanding is gathered by the team and analyzed with the help of decision support infrastructure, such as the drawing room interface. Functionality-driven groupware applications allow participants to share their opinions through shared objects.

Groupware Tools: Advantages and Disadvantages

Groupware tools benefit teams by:

1. Optimizing user creativity and collaboration among team members
2. Improving the communication network among teams
3. Providing a better visualization approach to solving issues

However, groupware distributed systems also have several disadvantages, such as:

1. Bearing the extra cost of purchasing and maintaining groupware
2. Relying on groupware might negatively affect productivity during a bad server connection
3. Potentially compromising network security and causing access issues

Click on the link to read the original article: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-groupware-in-distributed-system/