The benefits of collaborative computing

With the addition of the word "collaborative" to the field of computing, the information technology has acquired a new dimension. The word collaborative computing refers to the distributive computing technology which supports collaboration or helps people to exchange information mutually. Here, a complete sharing of applications takes place enabling the use of collaborative resources. The sharing of information does not just takes place between human resources dubbed as a synchronous communication, but an exchange of technical information other than the traditional tools like telephone too exists today.

Also called as group ware, collaborative computing allows the team spread geographically to develop or use a common database. With such a kind of innovative technology, the concept of team-work has acquired a new meaning.

No doubt that collaborative computing is the future of almost all the organizations as it is set to remodel the working styles. But, till today, its use is limited in organizations. More so, the collaborative computing has been mainly found to be useful in SMBs. All the information from financial to marketing to any other data can be stored and shared by collaborative computing. This kind of computing is giving rise to a less hierarchical organization while pushing the organization towards a more flatter side.

The need for collaborative computing arises from the fact that every time all the physical resources can not be in one place.

E-mails are a good mode of two-way communication, but can it share a large volume of data is an important question.

What collaborative computing does ?
A common setup here would be done by every organization enabled through LAN (Local area Networks). And further, LAN servers are connected via WAN (Wide Area Networks). Organizations can connect thousand of users using this technology.

Enables quicker response time: Paper mails were replaced by emails but even emails today can not handle large database where interactive features are required. The collaborative computing due to more horsepower enables integration within groups by handling larger database. The business relationships are being maintained by EDI using this technology.

Enables complete documentation: Even if the database is not so high-speed, the collaborative computing enables organizing, distributing and routing of data across various departments and teams. The virtual teams can have real-time discussions through this technology support. Connects all office software automation tools by scheduling programs.

Can be used as an application development interface: can create all applications and also combine with other computing functions.

All this reflects that even the complex work-group processes can be maintained ensuring a smooth transaction and workflow.

Utilising the Grid infrastructure, the modalities of collaborative computing is being developed. Companies who have utilized this technology to increase their productivity and efficiency are Microsoft, Lotus, DEC etc. All the products of these companies are based on the client/server networking model of computing. The best part here is that full security is maintained in these enterprises while the group ware is exchanging the information.

Whenever an enterprise is faced with some emergency situation addressing the business issue the problem needs the attention of all the employees distanced geographically. Then, forms and templates via collaborative computing are held in place and a common database using the spreadsheet software is established by the teams with in an organization. Later, it is monitored and the actions are taken

The benefits of using collaborative computing

The biggest advantage that the enterprises have with collaborative computing is it lends cost-effective solutions. Since, the teams are not required to be at one place to share information, remote teams can be accessed through this technology and hence reduction in costs. Other benefits are saving of time, less wastage by avoiding the paperwork and the workplace satisfaction.

Above all, collaborative computing supports tools and applications which can create, store, display and enable exchange of information within groups so that people can collaborate online.