Integrating synchronous multimedia collaboration into workflow management

Abstract

Two different areas of distributed group work are supported by workflow management systems and real-time collaboration systems. Workflow management systems support work being structured in steps such that each step can be handled with the results of former steps and the expertise of the person working on that step. On the other hand, multimedia collaboration systems are best suited for unstructured group activities. Audiovisual connectivity and shared documents enable flexible group processes. All coordination tasks are left to the conference participants. This paper an integration concept and prototype system which combines the advantages of both types of CSCW-systems.