Computer-supported cooperative work. An introduction to distributed systems (Q1902823)

The book is an introduction to the methodologies and system design underlying computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) and groupware. It surveys fundamental concepts of distributed systems based on the central notion of transparency and common communication techniques, including the client-server model and remote-procedure-call mechanisms. Also, an introduction into object-oriented distributed systems is given. Groupwork issues are centered around the notions of synchronous vs. asynchronous cooperation. As a major application, hypertext and hypermedia systems are considered. Based on the discussion of several experimental studies, various user-oriented acceptance criteria for CSCW systems are considered. One chapter is devoted to asynchronous CSCW systems, with focus on electronic mail systems. A conversation model based on speech acts and a model of intelligent cooperation based on the contract net protocol are presented, the latter with an application to a distributed calender management systems. Basic concurrency control methodologies for CSCW systems are introduced, e.g., simple locking and floor passing methods, transaction and transformation based approaches, grid protocols, while an in-depth presentation of voting procedures is given; also, several application criteria for different voting schemes are discussed. Finally, the authors describe synchronous CSCW systems with emphasis on electronic conference support and distributed document editors; a logical view on documents is taken and related to version and history management.