Generic architecture of web servers supporting cooperative work

Abstract

A new approach to building Web-based framework for CSCW applications is proposed. The framework is based on Resource Server, a multiversion Web server of three-tier architecture, composed of an interpreter of a query language as main interface of the server, specialized object-oriented database of information resources as an engine, and an XML wrapper as a gateway for data repositories. A particular emphasis is put on providing the server engine with basic transactional properties to support cooperative work: atomicity, consistency and durability, on one hand, and users' awareness and negotiations, on the other hand. The proposed Web server can be used as a flexible and scalable information exchange tool for cooperative work in the integrated processes of development, production and maintenance, as well as for advanced e-business applications.