Groupware and Version History: Collaboration Series #1

This article is the first of a series of articles exploring specific aspects of groupware. The brief informational articles in this series discuss some of the technologies associated with groupware, as well as some of the characteristics of groupware. Some of these characteristics may go hand in hand with business collaborative needs. Other characteristics go beyond what some groupware providers have to offer. The purpose of these articles is to equip the groupware user or investigator with helpful knowledge about the product in order to enable more effective use or to lead the investigator to the groupware service he or she is looking for. This first article explores Version History, a service that can be provided in groupware in order to simplify version tracking.

What is Groupware?

I have already mentioned that groupware helps businesses meet their collaborative needs, but groupware is not simply software used by businesses to organize documents and their drafts. Groupware deals specifically with the ad hoc nature of much of the document collaboration in today's fast-paced business. But, in order to provide the document tracking and management necessary to run effective document collaboration, even in an ad hoc setting, groupware must have the ability to track documents and their versions across multiple email boxes, hard drives, and servers.

What does Version History do for Groupware?

Version History utilizes Digital Thread technology to complete its tracking across email boxes, hard drives, and servers. The Digital Thread inserts tracking code into the meta data of any Word, PowerPoint, or Excel document and keeps track of the who, what, when, where, and how of each change made, even with multiple users. The information is literally threaded together like beads on a string, and displayed in a flow chart through the Version History option.

As deadlines draw near and it comes time to merge the document changes, questions will inevitably arise as to who made certain changes and why. Using Version History as a reference, users know exactly who to ask. The questions left in the wake of ad hoc document collaboration are gathered together and sorted out by Version History until all businesses see in front of them are answers.

You can also click on any two documents in a version history and click "compare". That runs Microsoft Compare of the two document versions. It makes it easy to see differences between any two document versions.

Narrowing Down Your Search

In B to B searching, Google has the reputation of the most relevant searches. However, groupware is not only used in B to B communication. In B to C communication, Yahoo may be your best bet. MSN is also in the "big three" of search engines for the most relevant searches. Whichever index you choose to use, you will still need to sift through millions of indexed pages to find groupware that works for your business.

This article has explored one way of narrowing your search, and that is by looking for groupware that uses the Digital Thread empowered Version History option.

Joe Miller is an online advertiser and author of informational articles on business software. More information on online advertiser can be found at online advertiser.

Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..
In The News:

Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.
DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.
Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.
The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.
New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.
Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.
New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.
Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.
San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.
FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.
Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.
Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.
Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.
Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.
The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.
Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.
Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.
Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.
Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.
The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.

Software Automation Helps Increase your Bottom Line

When you own a small business, time is money. And... Read More

String in Java

Handling character strings in Java is supported through two final... Read More

Benefits of Shareware

Shareware has been fighting the stigma of being misunderstood for... Read More

Microsoft C# vs. VB.Net

Hi, Guys,I believe a lot of programmers are trying to... Read More

Selecting Microsoft Great Plains Partner/VAR/Reseller: ERP Implementation & Customization ? Overview

In the case when you represent mid-size or mid-size-to-large business,... Read More

PHP On-The-Fly!

IntroductionPHP can be used for a lot of different things,... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains BR: Bank Reconciliation

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies... Read More

Microsoft CRM Customization ? Programming Closed Email Activity

Microsoft CRM is CRM answer from Microsoft and attempt to... Read More

Protect Your Most Vital Business Asset with Security Software

Homeland security, airport security, Internet security ??" these days we???re... Read More

Oracle Development: JDeveloper 10G ? Java, J2EE, EJB, MVC, XML - Overview For Programmer

In 2004 Oracle, Inc. made its new step toward J2EE... Read More

Simple Solution for Php Includes - IFrames

I have recently created my first Php program. I wanted... Read More

HSphere Control Panel Tips and Tricks - Power At Your Fingertips: Part 1

The first topic we are going to discuss... Read More

Lotus Domino: Reports and Connectors ? Crystal Reports, XML, ODBC/JDBC, OLE

Lotus Notes Domino is very efficient in electronic document workflow... Read More

These Items Are A Must Before Making The Decision To Purchase Any Off-The-Shelf Software

1. What determines the software price? Is it Per Seat... Read More

The Importance of Timely Timesheets

Whether you are a small consultancy firm, a medium sized... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains implementation: Restaurants Supply Chain Management Example

Microsoft Great Plains serves majority of US based horizontal and... Read More

Looking for an Alternative to Microsoft Office? You Should Be!

Now is the time to look at an alternative to... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Verticals - Wholesale Order Entry center ? overview

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains has substantial market share and... Read More

MSN Messenger Is A Sweet Way To Communicate

MSN messenger is a pretty cool invention. I mean I'm... Read More

Cross-Platform Custom Software Development & Integration ? IT Strategy for Large Corporation

Microsoft Business Solutions products: Great Plains, MS CRM, Navision, Axapta,... Read More

Dont Choose Adobe When Working With PDF

While Adobe is the most known maker of PDF tools,... Read More

Will Adobe Manage to Replace Industry Work Horse Quark Express by Giving Adobe InDesign for Free?

Heard about the Quark "killer"?Adobe InDesign CS2. Will it really... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics on Pervasive SQL.2000 Data Repair ? Overview For DBAs

Some introduction into Great Plains Software products, now Microsoft Business... Read More

Why Stick With Email Clients Like Outlook?

Trying to figure out a stream in banning one email... Read More

The Hidden Power of Online Manual

Writing software manuals is boring, isn't it? We often think:... Read More

efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..