Collaborative Computing

Collaborative computing allows team members on a shared project to share resources and applications in real time, regardless of their physical location. Figure B-9 illustrates a simple VoIP internetwork that allows collaborative computing. The PSTN serves as a gateway to non-enterprise-connected participants.

Figure B-9. Collaborative Computing

At the heart of the collaborative computing solution is the IP internetwork. Participants connect to each other via a private IP network or the public Internet. Servers and applications are deployed across the network, including the client software on the participant desktops. Collaborative computing applications include the following:

• Telephony and meeting applications, such as Microsoft NetMeeting

• Scheduling and collaboration software, such as IBM Lotus Notes

• Video streaming software

• FTP, TFTP, and peer-to-peer file-sharing applications

• IP phones

• Shared whiteboarding software

The goals of collaborative computing include:

• Reduced travel expenses

• Network transparency

• Shared calendar

• Real-time document sharing

• Real-time communication, such as telephony or videoconferencing