skip to main content
10.5555/782185.782209dlproceedingsArticle/Chapter ViewAbstractPublication PagescasconConference Proceedingsconference-collections
Article
Free access

Techniques and experiences with group support system implementation

Published: 31 October 1994 Publication History

Abstract

This paper describes practical design and implementation techniques used for creating Group Support Systems (GSS) in networked PC environments. Examples of GSS based on the shared context model and implemented in Microsoft Windows are presented and experiences using 'C', 'C++', 'ObjectPascal' and 'Actor' languages included. Graphical user interfaces and multi-tasking extend traditional methods for supporting group work. The Network Based Object provides support for all inter and intra processor communications between the GSS applications. Multiple levels of data service are provided to maintain shared data, coordinate "What You See Is What I See" views, and transmit cursor gestures in a convenient and efficient manner. The applications presented demonstrate the viability of implementing GSS on PCs. The unique properties of multi-tasking operating systems coupled with the object-oriented paradigm greatly facilitate Group Support System creation and use. An example application illustrating these concepts is included on the CD-ROM.

References

[1]
{1} Conklin, J. and Begeman, M.L. "gIBIS: A hypertext tool for exploratory policy discussion." ACM Transactions on Office Information Systems, 6(4):303--331, October, 1988.]]
[2]
{2} DeSanctis, G. and Gallupe, B.R. "A Foundation For The Study Of Group Decision Support Systems." Management Science, 33(5):589--609, May, 1987.]]
[3]
{3} Ellis, S., Gibbs, J. and Rein, G.L. "GroupWare: Some Issues and Experiences." Communications of the ACM, 34(1):38--58, 1991.]]
[4]
{4} Goodman, J. and Abel, M.J. "Communication and Collaboration: Facilitating Cooperative Work Through Communication." Office: Technology and People, 3(2):129--145, 1987.]]
[5]
{5} Hayne, S.C., Pendergast, M.O., and Greenberg, S. "Implementing Gesturing with Cursors in Group Support Systems." Journal of Management Information Systems, 10(3):43-61, 1993.]]
[6]
{6} Hayne, S.C. and Purdin, T. "A Distributed Tool For Issue Analysis." In 1990 Symposium on Applied Computing, pages 325--329, April, 1990.]]
[7]
{7} Jessup, L. and J. Valacich (eds.). Group Support Systems: A New Frontier. MacMillan, New York, 1993.]]
[8]
{8} Pendergast, M. "Multicast Channels for Collaborative Applications: Design and Performance Evaluation." ACM Computer Communications Review, 23(2):25-39, April, 1993.]]
[9]
{9} Pendergast, M. and Hayne, S.C. "Alleviating Convergence Problems in Group Support Systems: The Shared Context Approach." Journal of Computer Supported Collaborative Work, (forthcoming).]]
[10]
{10} Stefik, D.G. Bobrow, G. Foster, S. Lanning, and Tartar D. "WYSIWIS revised: Early experiences with multi user interfaces." ACM Transactions on Office Information Systems, 5(2):147--186, April, 1987.]]
[11]
{11} Stefik, G. Foster, D.G. Bobrow, K. Kahn, S. Lanning, and L. Suchman. "Beyond the chalkboard: Computer support for collaboration and problem solving in meetings." Communications of the ACM, 30(1):32--48, January, 1987.]]
[12]
{12} Ten Dyke and J.C. Kunz. "Object-oriented programming." IBM Systems Journal, 28(3):465--478, 1989.]]

Recommendations

Comments

Information & Contributors

Information

Published In

cover image DL Hosted proceedings
CASCON '94: Proceedings of the 1994 conference of the Centre for Advanced Studies on Collaborative research
October 1994
781 pages

Sponsors

  • Industry Canada
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
  • IBM Canada: IBM Canada
  • NRC: National Research Council - Canada

Publisher

IBM Press

Publication History

Published: 31 October 1994

Author Tags

  1. distributed computing
  2. object oriented technology
  3. software architecture

Qualifiers

  • Article

Acceptance Rates

Overall Acceptance Rate 24 of 90 submissions, 27%

Contributors

Other Metrics

Bibliometrics & Citations

Bibliometrics

Article Metrics

  • 0
    Total Citations
  • 399
    Total Downloads
  • Downloads (Last 12 months)21
  • Downloads (Last 6 weeks)8
Reflects downloads up to 05 Mar 2025

Other Metrics

Citations

View Options

View options

PDF

View or Download as a PDF file.

PDF

eReader

View online with eReader.

eReader

Login options

Figures

Tables

Media

Share

Share

Share this Publication link

Share on social media