Communication technologies and collaboration systems: Common domains, problems and solutions

One of the main purposes of office communication is collaboration. Much is known about established office communication technologies such as electronic mail, videoconferencing, and computer conferencing. Collaboration systems such as group decision support systems and computer-supported cooperative work are a more recent phenomenon. The communication domains of collaborative systems can be shown to be similar to those of existing communication technologies. If the functions and strengths of these communication technologies are isolated and the communication requirements of collaborative systems are also identified, common goals and problems emerge. Knowledge about the underlying communication technologies can then be used to recommend improvements to existing collaboration systems. Emerging communication technologies suggest future collaboration system directions.