Collaboration In Virtual Environment

Abstract

Collaboration in Virtual Environment represents a web-based application, designated to us as the fmal year project, for the completion of a one year master's degree in computer sc1ence. This report describes the implementation and manifestation of some of the team collaboration components. The intended purpose of this project is to provide a teambased and collaborative virtual environment to members of project teams. The web-based software has been developed using ASP .NET, C# and SQL server 2000. The different modules implemented include the features of a personal and team workspace. Both the personal and team workspace include a document management system as well as discussion groups. A brief description of each module is given below: Online Workspace: It provides each team member a place to work which is easily accessible, secure and well equipped. Each team is provided with an online workspace that is constantly available. This workspace has features the team needs to communicate - a place to discuss ideas, store and share documents and view project details. Discussion Forums: The discussion forums provide an environment in which effective discussion can take place. Users can contribute to discussions at any time from any place. The software offers two kinds of discussion forwns; one is project related and the other, a public discussion board. The project related discussion forum provides a place to discuss project specific ideas, where as the public discussion forum is for sharing general information. Document Management System: This feature provides users with instant access to important information. Users can place files of any kind in the system with ease. Access controls can be quickly modified for increased or decreased security by a team's manager. Documents added to a team's workspace can be instantly shared. Navigation: The system navigator provides a straightforward browsing metaphor that uses shortcuts to access commonly used features.