1.1 Benefits of using BSCW

BSCW supports asynchronous and synchronous cooperation with your partners over the Internet, in your Intranet or in a network with your business partners (Extranet).

For asynchronous (not simultaneous) cooperation, BSCW offers shared Workspaces that groups can use to store, manage, jointly edit and share Documents.

The essential advantages:

• With a BSCW Workspace, workgroups can share Documents -- independent of the specific computer systems that the members use.
• You need not install any software before using BSCW. You only need a standard Web browser.
• You access BSCW Workspaces, browse Folders and download Documents to your local system just like "normal" Web pages.
• BSCW keeps you informed of all relevant events in a shared Workspace.
• You can upload Documents to a shared Workspace using any standard Web browser.
  Uploading Documents is even more efficient if you enhance your browser with a small 'BSCW Helper' program. You can download the BSCW Helper free of charge from http://bscw.gmd.de/Download.html.

For synchronous (simultaneous) cooperation, BSCW provides tools for

• planning and organizing meetings,
• starting 'virtual' meetings on the basis of conferencing programs or by telephone,
• ad hoc communication with partners who are currently logged in to a shared Workspace and therefore are likely to be working on a common task.