Computer-based communications systems allow end users to transmit data from one location to another via various types of communications lines. This type of communication has dramatically expanded the scope of business activities. The most vital component of any data communications system is the network. The network is any system that makes interaction between two or more computers possible. Today, computer users can tap into a vast number of resources to retrieve information on a variety of subjects and events. For example, a CEO of a nationwide corporation may wish to examine information about regional sales levels or expected economic conditions.

This section examines two types of network applications: Groupware and the Information Superhighway (Internet). These two applications are the future of information technology.

Groupware

This is a communications application that is growing in popularity (also called collaboration technology). Groupware is software that helps groups of people to work together more productively. Groupware allows people to exchange ideas, debate issues, make decisions, and write reports without actually having to meet face-to-face. The most important advantage of Groupware is its ability to help groups make decisions faster. This section focuses on four popular types of Groupware:

Electronic Mail

Electronic mail (E-Mail) is one of the earliest Groupware tools and is also the most heavily used tool today. E-mail is faster and cheaper than regular mail, and can substitute for telephone conversations in some cases. Several standards have been developed to ensure compatibility between different software packages. They include X.400, CMC (Common Messaging Calls), and MAPI (Massaging Application Program Interface).

Document-based Groupware (Notes)

Notes was the first document-based Groupware product. It is a document database designed to store and manage large collections of text and graphics to support ongoing discussions.

Group Support Systems (GSS)

Group Support System, one of the most popular uses of Groupware, is a software tool designed to improve group decision making in special purpose meeting rooms that provide networked computers and large screen video projection systems. These rooms are equipped with special-purpose GSS software that enables participants to communicate, propose ideas, analyze options, and evaluate alternatives. A group of employees could view a document displayed on a projector screen. Then, each employee could manipulate the data from his station while others observed the resulting changes.

Video Teleconferencing

This is a video conference among several users, which is provided by one or more video cameras and several display monitors set up in special purpose meeting rooms. It provides real-time transmission of video and audio signals to help people in different locations to have a meeting. The advantage of this technology is the time and cost savings. Another form of video teleconferencing, desktop video conferencing, is growing up fast.